


Class 

Book 


COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



4 ^ 







Otis ISkinnkh as Lanciotto. 








Francesca Da Rimini 


A Dramatic Love Story. 


BY 


GEORGE MOREHEAD, 

n 

Author of “Nell Gwyn,” “The Story of Francois 
Villon,” Etc., Etc. 


(Copyright 1902, by J. S. Ogilvih Publishing Company.) 



New York : 

J. S. OGILVIE PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

57 Rose Street. 




THE LIBRARY •F 
OONGRES8, 
Two OortM Receivb* 

MAR. 12 1902 


COPVWQHT ENTRY 

CLAS5 ^XXa Nw. 

■2* “) *2^ 2- »> 

COPY a 


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f. 9 * • • • 


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hammerstein’s 

VICTORIA THEATRE 

NEW YORK. 

GEORGE H. BORER’S PLAY 


WILL BK ENACTED BY 


OTIS SKINNER AND COMPANY, 

JOSEPH BUCKLEY, Manager. ‘ 


NAMES OF CHARACTERS AND PLAYERS: 
Malatesta, Lord of Rimini and head of the Guelphs. .Mark Fenton 

Lanciotto, a deformed soldier. | Malatesta’s J Mr. Skinner 

Paolo j sons, ).. Aubrey Boucicault 

Pepe, Malatesta’s jester Wil'iam Norris 

GU.OO PO...T* [ fhT&Ms 1 A. 

Cardinal, friend of Guido Frederic Van Rensselar 

Rene, a troubadour Fletcher Norton 

LuCENTIO Ifriendv: of Paolo > W ALTER H. PyRE 

Torelli ^tnends ot Raolo, ^ Walter Lewis 

Captain F. Van Rensselar 

Messenger John Boylan 

Officer Edwai d Dh.h<n 

Taddeo, a page Paula Gloy 

Francesca, Guido’s daughter Marcia Van Dresser 

Ritta, her maid Gertrude '■'orman 

Bridesmaids aiid Maids of Honor: Misses Barry, Padden, Wilson, 
Phillips, Kalbitz, Butler, Lewis, Pruyu, Churchill. 


SYNOPSIS: 

Act I. — Garden of the Malatesta Palace, Rimini. 
Act II. — Hall in the Palace of Guido, Ravenna. 
Act III. — Courtyard of the Palace, Rimini. 

Act IV.— Scene 1— The Cathedral Cloister, Rimini. 

Scene 2— The Cathedral, Rimini. 

Act V. — Scene 1 — The Gardi-n Nook, Rimini. 

Scene 2 — Lanciotto’s Camp. 

Act VI.— Francesca's Boudoir, Rimini. 





CONTENTS 


PiGE 

Introduction vii 

CHAPTER I. 

Lanciotto’s Dawning Hope 9 

CHAPTER II. 

Lucrezia’s Love 20 

CHAPTER III. 

The Court Jester 34 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Fair Francesca 43 

CHAPTER V. 

Francesca’s Dream 52 

CHAPTER VI. 

Lanciotto’s Envoy 61 

CHAPTER VII. 

A Mystery to the Bride 69 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The First Meeting 78 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Nurse's Vision 91 

CHAPTER X. 

The Two Bouquets 103 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


CPIAPTER XI. page 

The Marriage 109 

CHAPTER XII. 

Food for Jealousy 118 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Paolo’s Flight 126 

CHAPTER XIV. 

The Love Philtre 135 

CHAPTER XV. 

The Waters of Lethe 147 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Paolo’s Return 155 

CHAPTER XVII. 

In Cupid’s Toils 163 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Pepe’s Revenge 172 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Lanciotto’s Stratagem 180 

CHAPTER XX. 

The Tragedy 188 


INTRODUCTION. 


Madame Sarah Bernhardt and Eleanora 
Duse having based their latest plays upon 
the famous love story of Francesca da Bi- 
mini, the publication of that ancient tale 
will be of interest to all patrons of the 
drama, and to all readers who enjoy a fas- 
cinating and dramatic story. All the world 
loves a lover, and every reader of Frances- 
ca’s history will become her ardent sym- 
pathizer. 

The current production of the play of 
Francesca da Bimini by Mr. Otis Skinner 
has met with marked success ; and the play- 
goers of twenty years ago will recall with 
pleasure the splendid production of the 
same drama by the late Lawrence Barrett, 
wherein he achieved a triumph in the char- 
acter of Lanciotto, in company with Louis 


INTRODUCTION. 


James as Pepe the jester, and Marie Wain- 
wright as Francesca. 

Although the story has received various 
representations on both the dramatic and 
operatic stages, the following pages contain 
the first and only available version in narra- 
tive form. The leading characters and in- 
cidents are historical, and have been handed 
down to us, through the intervening cen- 
turies, by the writings of Dante and other 
ancient writers. 


G. M. 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


CHAPTER I. 

LANCIOTTO’S DAWNING HOPE. 

^^Have I no choice, father — or am I but 
a slave to do a master’s bidding? I never 
hoped to marry; but if I do, I shall select 
the bride myself.” 

^^Be not a fool, Lanciotto! This mar- 
riage is not for love ; it is an affair of graver 
moment, designed to link two cities in a 
bond stronger than mere words can serve. 
The union of our house with that of Guido 
da Polenta of Ravenna will render our posi- 
tion doubly sure, not only in Rimini, but 
throughout all Italy.” 


10 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 


Lanciotto replied with a shrug : 

^‘But I object, iny lord, to serve as such 
a tool. My disposition, formed and nur- 
tured on the rough edge of battle, is such 
that I cannot, will not stoop to circum- 
stance, but prefer to fight and overcome it. 
If Ravenna must become our ally, furnish 
me with soldiers and I will humble the 
proud Guido and render him submissive t ) 
our will. I am a soldier, and with the 
sword must gain my end, or die in the at- 
tempt. I cannot stoop to words of love that 
drop idly from false lips and poison all they 
touch. ’Tis not a soldier’s task. I cannot 
do it.” 

‘^You do not understand me, Lanciotto. 
I do not ask you to use deception, or utter 
words you do not feel. If report be true, 
Francesca is a girl of wondrous beauty, 
whom any man, even a soldier, would be 
proud to wed.” 

‘‘Yes, that may be; I might love her; but. 


FUANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


11 


think you, would she love me? Would she 
see grace and beauty in my crippled foot 
and rounded back? Would she look with 
favor on my bronzed features, cast, as they 
were, in Nature’s coarsest mould? Would 
she — but, tell me, father, has she been told 
of my appearance, of my deformity? . . . 

You are silent. . . . Have you deceived 

her?” 

“I do not know how far her knowledge 
runs; but what of that? As you are a sol- 
dier, the bravest of the brave, renowned 
throughout Romagna for a thousand deeds 
of valor, what woman would not love 
you?” 

^‘Ah ! father, it is not love a woman feels 
for such a man. ’Tis but a hero-worship, 
a desire to share in his fame or notoriety — 
it is not love ; and, moreover, boundless fame 
or countless deeds of valor would never 
serve to bind a woman’s love to my mis- 
shapen form. ’Tis but an idle waste of 


12 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


words to discuss the matter further. It 
cannot be.” 

•% 

Lord Malatesta rose, and said : 

will not press you for an answer now, 
but give you time for reflection. Consider 
your duty to your family and the safety of 
your native town.” 

Lord Malatesta left the room. It was the 
first time he had spoken to his son of the 
intended marriage, which had been ar- 
ranged between the parents for political 
purposes, as a measure of offense and de- 
fense in matters of war. The two families 
were usually at enmity, and if actual war- 
fare did not prevail, a spirit of hostility was 
ever present. Suspicion and fear were the 
only feelings they entertained for each other. 

The Malatesta family had for a long time 
been lords and masters of the city of Ri- 
mini and adjacent territory. At that time, 
there was no central government in Italy. 
It was a country divided into numerous 


FRANCE8GA DA RIMINI. 


13 


petty principalities; even individual cities 
asserted their independence, and waged war 
against each other on the slightest pretext. 
Factional strife was rampant throughout 
the country, and was carried to such an ex- 
tent that the inhabitants of one city were 
frequently embroiled in an internecine con- 
test in a struggle for supremacy. War was 
their normal condition, their daily life. The 
necessity of an alliance for mutual assist- 
ance in time of war had caused the lords 
and tyrants of Kimini and Kavenna to enter 
into such an agreement and endeavor to ce- 
ment the same by an intermarriage. It was 
a marriage of convenience, an affair of state, 
wherein the principal actors — the bride and 
groom — had not been consulted. In fact, 
they had never seen each other. 

After Lord Malatesta left the room, 
Lanciotto mused upon the strange intel- 
ligence. Nothing had been farther from his 
thoughts than marriage. He had supposed 


14 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


that no woman would ever conceive a pas- 
sion for him, the hunchback of Rimini, the 
subject of many a scoff and jest, so ugly and 
misshapen that the dogs barked at him as he 
passed them by. No! such an absurdity 
had never entered his mind. He, Lanciotto, 
the cripple, to come hobbling down the aisle 
of the cathedral, arm in arm, with a bride 
as graceful and stately as Juno! The idea 
was so absurd and amusing to him that he 
burst into laughter. At this moment, Paolo 
entered the room. 

‘^How now, Lanciotto !’’ he exclaimed, 
^Svhy so merry? That is not your wonted 
mood.^^ 

^^Come, Paolo, sit at my side and I will 
tell you a tale that will move you to 
laughter. In a certain city in Italy there 
lives a tyrant who has a daughter as fair as 
day and as pure and beautiful as the dew- 
drop that sparkles in the morning sunlight. 
This tyrant fears the power and seeks the 


t'RANOESCA DA RIMINI. 


16 


aid of the tyrant of a neighboring city, and 
to gain such aid he offers his beautiful 
daughter in marriage to the neighboring 
tyrant\s son. Now, mark you! this son is 
a hobbler, who goes limping on a crooked 
foot, whose back is arched like a camePs 
and whose face would serve for a mask at 
Shrovetide. Is it not aniusing?^^ And 
Lanciotto again laughed heartily. 

‘‘I do not understand you, brother. 
Please explain this riddle.’’ 

^AVell, Paolo, the truth is that our father 
has just told me that I am betrothed to 
Francesca, the fair daughter of Guido da 
Polenta, tyrant of Pavenna. What think 
you now? Is it not as merry as the jester’s 
gibes?” 

‘‘Not at all, Lanciotto. I see nothing 
strange or amusing about it.” 

“What! the marriage of a Cerberus to 
Venus ! Why, it is contrary to nature, con- 
trary to every sense of justice and honor.” 


16 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


Lanciotto. I do not see it thus. 
You do yourself wrong. You underrate 
your merits. You are a soldier whose face 
has never blanched from fear, whose arms 
have won honor and renown on many a 
hard-fought field. Every woman in Ro- 
magna looks upon you — Rimini’s bravest 
soldier — with soft, admiring eyes.” 

^^But admiration is not love,” urged Lan- 
ciotto. 

^^But admiration is not love.” 

^^No, but it is akin to it. It is the step- 
ping stone that leads to love. Francesca 
may, at first, only admire you as a soldier 
but, on better acquaintance, she will esteem 
you for your virtues, then love 3^011 for your- 
self.” 

^^Ah! Paolo, if I only dared to hope so!” 

“It seems to me, Lanciotto, if she knew 
only one half your virtues, one-half your 
goodness, she would fall upon her knees and 



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FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


17 


thank Heaven for giving her such a hus- 
band.” 

‘‘If you could woo her for me, and describe 
me as I am, and not as I seem to be! My 
rough exterior belies my finer parts.” 

“Now, look you I” said Paolo, “if I could 
see Francesca, I would tell her what a noble 
heart beats beneath the soldier^s garb; a 
heart as gentle as it is brave, as honest and 
as open as the day. I could tell her a thou- 
sand things that would make her love you.” 

“Ah ! Paolo, if you could be my advocate, 
my messenger of love. And yet, why not? 
You can go to Ravenna to bring Francesca 
hither. You will then have a chance to tell 
her what I am, to tell her of my faults and 
blemishes ” 

Paolo interrupted him. “No! Lanciotto, 
not your faults. They do not exist.” 

“Above all, Paolo, I charge you to tell her 
the truth, the whole truth — keep nothing 
back. Especially, tell her of my personal 


18 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 


appearance, of my deformity. For God’s 
sake ! Paolo, do not deceive her in that. Do 
not induce her to expect an Apollo, only to 
find an uncouth son of Mars.” 

^^As your messenger, Lanciotto, I shall do 
my duty,” was the evasive reply of Paolo. 

^‘Then you will go in my stead, Paolo, and 
conduct her hither? I thank you with all 
my heart, my own kind Paolo.” 

In an ecstacy of joy, Lanciotto arose and 
limped nimbly about the room, singing a 
snatch of a drinking song. 

‘AYliy, brother!” exclaimed Paolo, ^^what 
a change the mere suggestion of marriage 
makes in a man ! You are as happy as a 
child with a new bauble. To be a bride- 
groom must be earth’s greatest joy. By 
Jupiter! I’ll fall in love myself.” 

^^Have a care, Paolo ! fall not in love with 
the fair Francesca!” exclaimed Lanciotto, 
with a merry laugh. Glancing through the 
window, Lanciotto saw his father walking 


PRANCS8CA DA RIMINI. 


19 


in the garden; he called to him, and when 
Lord Malatesta entered the room, Lanciotto 
said: 

lord, I have considered the proposal 
of marriage with Francesca, and am pre- 
pared to meet your wishes. Paolo will be 
my envoy to her father’s court, and escort 
my bride to Rimini.” 


20 


FRANCPSCA DA BIMINI. 


CHAPTER II. 

LUCREZIA^S LOVE. 

Rimini^ one of the most ancient cities in 
Italy, was founded five or six centuries be- 
fore the Christian era. It was, at first, in- 
habited by the primitive tribe of Umbrians, 
later by the Etruscans, but, prior to the 
time of Julius Caesar it had become a part of 
Italy. History informs us that in the year 
49 B. C., Caesar crossed the Rubicon, entered 
Rimini, and harangued his troops in the 
great square which still bears his name. A 
column now marks the spot on which, ac- 
cording to tradition, he delivered the ora- 
tion. 

The city stands in a plain of great fertil- 
ity, abounding in vineyards and fruit, which 
has ever been a source of wealth and pros- 


FBANCE8GA DA BIMINI. 


21 


perity to Kimini, and has given it the power 
and importance that wealth alone com- 
mands. From the higher points of observa- 
tion within the city, a view of unrivalled 
beauty is presented to the eye; across the 
fruitful plain and low swelling hills can be 
seen the distant towers of Ravenna on the 
one side and those of Pesaro on the other, 
close neighbors if not always friends. To 
the south, after travelling over many a mile 
of hill and vale, the view is gradually 
broken by the pleasant slopes of the foot- 
hills, then finally closed in by the stern face 
and jagged peaks of the Umbrian Apen- 
nines. Looking eastward, the delighted eye 
moves slowly across the deep blue waters of 
the Adriatic Sea and is lost in a delicious 
reverie as it contemplates the hazy outlines 
of the distant Dalmatian coast. 

From its inception until the very hour of 
our present story, the city had been a scene 
of almost continuous strife and warfare, 


22 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


generally with foreign foes, but frequently 
with domestic brawls between its own citi- 
zens. In the year 1216, for the purpose of 
strengthening the city against external 
forces and ensuring a greater measure of 
domestic harmony, the citizens of Kimini 
had adopted the desperate remedy of grant- 
ing citizenship to two members of the power- 
ful Malatesta tribe, Giovanni and Mala- 
testa, for the avowed purpose of securing 
the aid of themselves and their vassals. 
Giovanni was the grandfather of Lanciotto 
and Paolo. 

The lords of Malatesta, by being repeat- 
edly elected to the office of Podesta, had at 
last become the virtual masters of Rimini, 
and exercised over its political fortunes the 
despotic power of a tyrant. 

The present lord of the Malatesta family 
had four sons, namely, Malatestini, who was 
the eldest; Giovanni, the Lame, commonly 
known as Lanciotto; Paolo, the Handsome; 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


23 


and Pandolfo, the youngest son. We have 
already heard from Lanciotto’s own mouth 
an account of his unfortunate physical de- 
fects, his hunched back, his club-foot, his 
homely features; we have also learned that 
he was a soldier of uncommon daring and 
heroic valor, winning renown in battle even 
in a nation of warriors ; to these facts, let us 
add that he was endowed with a high sense 
of honor, with a heart at once brave and 
gentle, warm and true in friendship but 
sudden and quick in quarrel, and we find 
that Lanciotto was a man perfect in every 
respect save in personal appearance. He 
had never courted the society of ladies, nor 
dreamed of marriage. By nature and cus- 
tom he was a soldier, and his every thought 
and hope were centred on the tented field. 

On the contrary, Paolo was endowed by 
nature with every attribute calculated to 
grace a court and please the eyes of the 
gentle ladies. Perfect in form, handsome in 


24 


FBANCE8GA DA RIMINI. 


features, with dark curly hair, elegant and 
showy in dress and personal adornments, he 
was the pride and hope of every maid in 
Eimini. One word, one smile, even a glance 
of the eye, from Paolo was a cherished keep- 
sake in the memory of a susceptible maiden. 
He was their beau-ideal of a lover. 

Paolo had passed through a score of love 
adventures and come out of each of them 
heart-whole. Nature had designed Paolo 
for a courtier, for a devotee of Cupid, for a 
life of love and pleasure, an existence of 
delicious idleness and graceful ease. Yet, 
withal, he had a frank and generous disposi- 
tion, a noble and sympathetic character, that 
would not willingly inflict an injury on an- 
other. He might be led into error and com- 
mit a wrongful act, but it would be the fault 
of the heart — not of the mind or conscience. 
From choice, he had always lived and spent 
his days at his father’s court; he loved its 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


25 


luxuries and pleasures; he had no love for 
war nor desire for a soldier^s life. 

Another member of the Malatesta house- 
hold who may figure prominently in our 
story is Lucrezia, a cousin of Paolo and Lan- 
ciotto. She is a widow, thirty-two years of 
age, and for the past five years has served as 
housekeeper to the house of Malatesta. 
Since the death of her husband, her natural 
querulousness has become more marked, and 
time has only served to increase the acidity 
of her temper. She was neither handsome 
nor pleasing ; she appealed neither to the eye 
nor to the intellect of man; therefore, her 
chances for a second marriage were ex- 
tremely slight. The knowledge of this fact 
displeased her, for her thoughts and desires 
were ever bent on matrimony. Other op- 
portunities not appearing, she had of late 
turned her attention to her cousin Lanciotto. 
‘‘Ah!’’ she thought, “there is my opportu- 
nity — no one else wants him.” His defor- 


26 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


mities did not deter her; familiarity had 
rendered his appearance inoffensive to her 
eyes. She knew and admired his good qual- 
ities, and did not fear his faults. 

When the news of Lanciotto’s betrothal 
became bruited about the castle and reached 
the ears of Lucrezia, she was filled with dis- 
may. At first, she would not believe it. It 
was impossible. She could not conceive 
that fortune would be so unkind as to wreck 
her last surviving bark of hope and leave her 
stranded on the sands of celibacy. It could 
not be true — there was some mistake. She 
would question Lanciotto, and learn the 
truth. 

Accordingly, at the first favorable mo- 
ment, Lucrezia broached the subject. It was 
in his own apartment, where he must ex- 
tend to her the courtesy of a hearing. 

^‘Have you heard the news, Lanciotto? 
It is noised about the castle that there will 
be a wedding here very soon,” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 27 

^^Indeed!’^ replied Lanciotto, ^ had not 
heard it. Are you to be married, cousin?’^ 

‘‘Faith, no! I have been married once; 
I know the men.” 

“And what is worse, cousin, they know 
you,” said Lanciotto, Avith a chuckling 
laugh. 

“I am not disposed to bandy wit with you, 
Lanciotto. My question had a grave intent. 
’Tis rumored about the castle that you are 
to wed.” 

“A fig for their rumors! I mind them 
not,” said Lanciotto, still seeking to evade 
the question. 

“I wish to know, cousin, if it be true. My 
question is blunt enough — so ansAver it.” 

“I cannot tell you Avhat I do not know,” 
said Lanciotto. 

“Still quibbling. Come, Lanciotto! To 
evade the truth is half a lie ; your honor is 
at stake.” 

“Well, Lucrezia, I aa ill acquaint you with 


28 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


what I know. My father has some designs 
to have me married, and has broached the 
subject to me. But what of that! Will the 
lady have me? That is a question I cannot 
answer.’^ 

‘‘Who is the lady? What’s her name?” 

“Francesca, the fair daughter of Guido da 
Polenta, lord of Ravenna,” replied Lanci- 
otto. “What think you, now?” 

“Has she seen you? Does she know?” 
asked Lucrezia, pointing to Lanciotto’s 
crooked foot. 

“No — not yet.” 

“Fool — fool!” muttered Lucrezia. 

“What mean you, cousin?” 

Lucrezia stood for a moment, silent; her 
compressed lips and flashing eyes denoted 
the anger that raged within the heaving 
bosom. Then she said: 

“I mean that it is folly to think of such a 
marriage. Do you think, Lanciotto, that 
she will marry you? Why, when she sees 


FRANGESGA DA RIMINI. 


29 


you, she will look with disgust on youT 
rounded back, and your crippled foot will 
serve to whet her hatred. Think you that 
Francesca., the pride of Ravenna, will wed 
herself to a hunchback, and be, like you, the 
jest of every idle tongue in Rimini? No, 
Lanciotto, a thousand times, no 

Lanciotto quailed beneath her words; he 
felt within his heart that she spoke the 
truth. Such had been his own thoughts 
until Paolo bade him hope. Was Paolo 
wrong? It must be so. His lofty hopes 
fell; and, falling, crushed the proud spirit 
of Lanciotto. He could find no words in 
answer to Lucrezia’s taunting speech. Fail- 
ing to gain a reply, she continued : 

^LVh ! cousin, you know I speak the truth. 
Your silence voices your despair. Have you 
consented to this sham marriage, this mock- 
ery of a holy rite? Lanciotto, mark my 
words ! It must not be ; Twill end in shame 


30 


FH;ANCE8GA da BIMINI 


— perhaps in blood; so end it now whilst 
cime remains.’’ 

Lanciotto was now regaining his com- 
posure. He looked up, and with a slight 
display of indignation, said : 

“Lucrezia, you have no right to chide me 
thus, or censure my affairs. Your words 
proceed from the acid of your blood, from 
the venom of your blighted heart.” 

‘‘No, Lanciotto, you do me wrong. My 
chiding is the fruit of love. My heart doth 
throb with life and love, and all for you.” 

“Your love for me finds strange expres- 
sion. It wrings my heart, and mocks my 
woe. If that be love, ’tis masked by hate, 
and carps at my deformity.” 

“Good Lanciotto, it is not so,” continued 
Lucrezia, with increasing tenderness of 
tone, and taking his hand in hers; “in my 
eyes, your deformity does not exist. I see 
only your heart, your soul, and they are per- 
fect. From childhood I have watched over 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


31 


you as an elder sister; I took the place of 
your crippled foot, and ran upon your er- 
rands, supplied your wants and suffered 
none to cry you ill. Through shifting years, 
through fair or foul, my love unchanged has 
stronger grown, till now it is my only hope, 
the only joy in my embittered life.’^ 

As Lanciotto gradually comprehended the 
tenor of her speech, he opened his eyes in 
wonder and amazement. Here was another 
life lying at his halting foot, waiting and en- 
treating to be raised by the gentle hand of 
love. Till now, no tbouglit of marriage had 
ever entered his mind, and, behold! in a 
moment, two women have crossed the path 
of his life, bearing the orange blossoms of 
matrimony. To him, it was all so strange, 
so novel, he was bewildered, and knew not 
how to act or speak. He was not versed in 
the art of love, nor how to cope with the 
wiles of a passionate woman. Had Paolo 
been in his place, Lucrezia would not have 


32 


FRANGE8GA DA RIMINI 


lacked an answer; but poor Lanciotto was 
embarrassed and lost his wonted courage in 
this strange warfare with a woman. He 
deemed discretion the better part of valor, 
and retreated to the embrasure of the win- 
dow. He trembled from nervous excite- 
ment. 

Lucrezia followed him, and grasped his 
arm. 

not turn from me, Lanciotto,” she en- 
treated. ‘^It breaks my heart to see you 
wed a woman who does not love you and 
never Avill. She’s but a girl — ^youth goes to- 
ward youth — whilst I give you a woman’s 
love, well tried through many years.” 

Her persistency had annoyed him beyond 
endurance and, at last, he turned at bay and 
fiercely said: 

^^Lucrezia, you are a woman and I cannot 
answer you harshly. But say no more! I 
have heard enough of your revilings and 
protestations. Leave me ! My mind is dis- 


PRANCESGA DA RIMINI 


33 


turbed, my brain reels, my veins run fire — 
Go! woman, leave me, ere I go mad and do 
you harm ! Begone 

As he spoke, he pushed her toward the 
door and when she had passed out he fast- 
ened it, and threw himself upon his couch 
to recover his scattered senses. 


34 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


CHAPTER III. 

THE COURT JESTER. 

The preparations for the marriage were 
now in progress. There was a general reno- 
vation of the ancient castle from its lower 
dungeons to the topmost pinnacle of the 
great tower; the accumulated dust and rub- 
bish of years were being gathered and re- 
moved from every nook and crevice. The 
armor and various implements of war that 
had for a generation decked, undisturbed, 
the walls of the great hall were now fur- 
bished until they shone like crystal. The 
retainers worked with a hearty will, for it 
was the first marriage amongst the present 
generation of the Malatesta family, and the 
occasion would prove a welcome relief from 
the harsh routine of hostile life. Besides, 


iFRANCmCA DA RIMINI. 


35 


it meant to the retainers a period of feasting 
and merriment with unusual freedom and 
privileges. 

Lanciotto was a favorite amongst the re- 
tainers and men-at-arms. As their leader 
in time of war, or as their comrade in time 
of peace, he always treated them with a 
kindness and consideration uncommon in 
those harsh days. He had their best wishes 
in his approaching marriage. 

The bridegroom himself looked upon the 
preparations with a fearful heart. His 
mind was rent by conflicting thoughts. One 
question tormented him — would this mar- 
riage bring him love and happiness, or only 
disappointment and sorrow? By day, by 
night, he racked his brain, but the answer 
never came. He walked his chamber floor, 
or wandered to and fro in the garden, with 
anxious face and knitted brows, in an effort 
to solve the question. One day, as he was 
seated in an arbor in the garden, Lanciotto 


36 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


saw Pepe, the court jester, approaching him. 
The sight of the motley garb and the dread 
of the fooPs malicious tongue were added 
fuel to his mental fever. As Pepe drew 
near, he said : 

^‘How now, my lord, why so sad?’^ 

^^That I have met a fool 

^^That should make you merry, since we 
are brothers now,” said Pepe. ^^You lack 
only the motley dress, the cap and bells.” 

‘YVhat mean you?” 

^^To marry is to declare yourself a fool. 
There is an old adage that says, the man 
that^s married is a man thaPs marred.” 

‘When were you married, fool?” 

“When you were born. We were both 
marred at the same time.” 

“Look you, Pepe!” said Lanciotto, seri- 
ously, “ITl have no jesting on the subject of 
my marriage. V\\ brook no insult from 
your errant tongue. One jest, one gibe — 
’twill be your last.” 


FBANGE8GA DA RIMINI. 


37 


“ ’Tis a delicate subject, my lord,- that 
will not stand the strain of one poor jest.” 

’Tis a delicate sword that cannot cleave 
the shallow pate of a fool,” retorted Lanci- 
otto. 

would choose to die upon your wedding 
day. One mass would then suffice us both.” 

‘^Begone, fool! or your idle tongue will 
lead your shoulders into trouble.” 

‘‘My shoulders do already grieve me 
much; they are so small. ’Tis well, my 
lord, that yours are large enough to bear 
the burden of a husband’s shame.” 

This taunt stung Lanciotto to the quick. 
He arose and seized Pepe by the throat ; his 
strong fingers would have made short work 
of the poor jester, had he not been inter- 
rupted by a voice, close at hand, exclaim- 
ing: 

“Lanciotto! Lanciotto. The fool is 
sacred — heed him not.” 

It w^as the voice of Lord Malatesta. 


38 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


Lanciotto released his hold of the jester, 
who quickly ran to a safe distance, then 
turned and uttered his defiance. 

‘‘Ha! Lanciotto, hunchback! You will 
live to rue the day your profane hands were 
laid upon the sacred garb of the jester. 
Even a fool has feelings, and an insult will 
wear upon his memory until wiped out by 
revenge. A fool’s sword is as sharp as his 
wit.” 

“Then, ’twill cut nothing but the vacant 
air,” replied Lanciotto. 

Pepe turned and walked away with a halt- 
ing step, in imitation of Lanciotto, and at 
the same time, singing: 

^^The bridegroom came with a limping gait, 
To greet a bride of high estate ” 

Lord Malatesta sought to soothe Lanci- 
otto’s feelings. He said : 

“My son, you should pay no attention to 
the jester’s gibes. We have all winced be- 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


39 


fore his cruel tongue, but his calling makes 
him sacred.’^ 

Lanciotto resumed his seat in the arbor, 
and his father sat at his side. 

’Tis not Pepe’s gibes alone I fear,’’ said 
Lanciotto, ’tis that of every idle tongue in 
Rimini. Even now, as I walk the street, 
the people look askance at me, and I can 
read in their faces their scorn for me and 
pity for my bride. This marriage will serve 
to accentuate my deformities. They were 
overlooked in the soldier, but they will be 
ridiculed in the husband. No, father, it 
cannot be; this marriage is impossible.” 

^^Lanciotto, you know, as well as I, the 
weighty reasons that press this marriage on 
us. The safety of our city, our own safety, 
all depend on it. Lord Guido and I are 
agreed that the destinies of Rimini and Ra- 
venna must be united by a tie that will not 
be severed by a passing breeze or the first 
angry word. The tie of marriage will alone 
suffice,” 


40 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


SO it be, why not unite Paolo to the 
fair Francesca? That would be a fitting 
marriage. Both young, both handsome, a 
credit to both our houses,’’ suggested Lan- 
ciotto. 

^^Lord Guido does not wish it so. It is 
the strength of your arm in battle that he 
seeks; a name, like yours, that will strike 
terror to his foes. In these strenuous times, 
pregnant with war and treachery, even in 
marriage we must consider the safety of 
the state. Your mother, when I married 
her, was the daughter of our enemy, and 
naught but good came from it. It served 
to place our house on the proud eminence 
it now occupies. So may your marriage 
serve to maintain it there.” 

^^Obedience is a virtue in a soldier,” said 
Lanciotto, ‘^so the marriage must go on, 
even though I fall beneath it. Yet, I would 
Paolo had my place. ’Tis not my mood to 
bend subservient to a woman’s whim, or 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


41 


\ 

^outh unmeaning compliments. Such is 
the courtier^s life; and such the husband’s 
if he would retain his bride. The soldier’s 
bride should be his sword — the dints in it, 
his children. Them I could love, honor and 
protect.” 

^^Your fears are groundless, Lanciotto ; I 
do commend you to Paolo for lessons in the 
gentle art of wooing. He’ll teach you how 
to win your bride and keep her, too. In a 
few days, your fearsome thoughts will turn 
to pjeans of joy.” 

*••«•**♦* 

The preparations for Paolo’s momentous 
journey were progressing favorably. New 
garments and new accoutrements for him- 
self and attendant cavaliers, and a select 
body of men-at-arms and noble steeds were 
fitted for their use. He would journey with 
all the pomp and splendor of a prince — a 
becoming escort to so fair a bride. And 
Paolo looked every inch a prince. 

Before the departure of the cavalcade, 


42 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


Lanciotto took his brother aside to give him 
his parting instructions. 

‘‘1 depend on you, Paolo, to prepare her 
mind to find me as I am. My temper, na- 
ture, form and features must be exposed to 
her as dear and open as the noon-day sun. 
^Twould wound my spirit, and do her wrong, 
to bring her here and then, on seeing me, re- 
fuse my hand. Let that not happen!^’ 

^^As you say, Lanciotto ; I woo her in your 
stead, and yet for you.^’ 

^^But, if you find her to your liking, Paolo, 
woo her for yourself. ’Twould not wrong 
me, as I have never seen Francesca and bear 
no love for her. This marriage is but a 
union of our houses, and Twould serve as 
well for you to marry her; and, perhaps, 
serve me better.” 

^^No, my brother, this shows your gener- 
ous nature, but I cannot deprive you of the 
happiness of Francesca’s love. She shall 
be yours. Farewell!” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI, 


43 


CHAPTER IV. 

THE FAIR FRANCESCA. 

It was a dull, grey morning, and a heavy 
sea-fog started from the Adriatic, rolled 
across the salt-marshes, and clasped Ra- 
venna in a moist embrace. Very few of the 
inhabitants were astir. Only two classes 
of citizens ventured forth at an early hour 
in such dismal weather; the fishermen and 
the religious devotee — the latter, however, 
were few in number. 

This morning, the fog had so wrapped its 
grey mantle over the church of Saint Ap- 
pollinare in Classe that one may pass it by 
unnoticed. When the devotee enters the 
church, the fog enters also, and rolls ma- 
jestically through the nave, its moist sleeves 


44 


FRANCE8GA DA RIMINI, 


touching the marble columns on either side 
leave great wet spots on them, then, dividing 
at the altar, the fog retreats down either 
side of the church toward the door, bathing, 
on its way, the mosaic figures of the bishops 
who, in stony silence, look down from the 
walls upon the faithful worshippers. 

In the apse of the church, there is a great 
jewelled cross, symbolizing the Saviour on 
the Mount of Transfiguration. Moses and 
Elias lean forth from the clouds on either 
side, and in the valley below the apostles 
wait, represented symbolically as sheep. On 
the morning of our story, in the year 1285, 
two girls were kneeling in adoration before 
the jewelled cross. After they have con- 
cluded their devotions, and are walking 
down the nave, we may observe that one of 
the girls is unusually tall, but of a sym- 
metrical and well-developed figure. Hen 
face is of a Grecian mould, fair skin, rosy 
lips and large blue eyes. A mas§ of rich 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI 


45 


auburn hair crowns her beauteous face. She 
moves with a reliant, stately carriage that 
indicates pride of birth and social position. 
Although only nineteen years of age, she 
has a commanding presence that aristo- 
cratic lineage alone can give. Yet, withal, 
she bears herself with a maidenly modesty 
that suggests innocence and simplicity. 

She is Francesca, daughter of Lord Guido, 
tyrant of Ravenna. Her rank and beauty 
have attracted many admirers from all parts 
of the province, but she is as yet heartfree. 
Moreover, she is an only child, and is of that 
exalted rank wherein marriages are polit- 
ical events and daughters are sacrificed to 
the exigencies of state affairs. Her father 
may match her to his enemy to conciliate an 
ancient feud, or wed her to a political ally 
as a pledge of continued friendship. In 
either event, her wishes wdll not be con- 
sulted. Why, then, should she involve her- 


46 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


self in a hopeless affection that would lead 
to despair and disappointment? 

As she left the churcli, with downcast 
eyes, she liad not noticed the admiring 
glances of a young man who, half-conceahnl, 
watched her from behind one of the columns 
of the portico. The youth had not escaped 
the sharp e^’^es of the maid, who, a moment 
later, said to her mistress: 

‘‘Did ^''ou see Count Kubini behind the 
pillar in the portico? lie has been very 
des^out of late, ^fethinks it is not the 
saints he comes to worship.’^ 

“What do you mean, Nerissa?’^ 

“You will pardon me, my lady, but I have 
thought his eyes saw naught but you, that 
you are his divinity.’^ 

“For my part,’^ said Francesca, “I have 
noticed him once or tAvice and thouglit him 
a handsome, manly youth; but my father 
speaks ill of him, because there is some strife 
betwixt his family and our OAvn.^^ 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


47 


is the wonted way, my lady. Love is 
a contrary wench. Those we love we cannot 
have.’’ 

‘‘I did not speak of love, Nerissa. I love 
no one, save rn^^ father.” 

^‘If you would observe the pleading look 
and anxious manner of the Count, I am 
sure your heart would be touched. Ah ! If 
I had such a lover I would be happy!” 

‘^Hush! Nerissa, you must not tempt me 
with such idle thoughts. His love is not 
for me. I cannot look on him with approv- 
ing eyes. I would incur my father’s anger 
— so speak of it no more.” 

Nerissa said no more, but she could not 
refrain from thinking that Count Rubini 
would be a fitting husband for her handsome 
mistress. The thoughts of Francesca ran in 
the same channel, but she tried to subdue 
them. Yet the comely features of the young 
nobleman were constantly before her. The 
devotion of the Count as shown by his early 


48 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


visit and watchful attention at the church, 
had made some impression on her, and, 
though she had forbidden her maid to speak 
of him, the subject was not displeasing to 
her. 

That same afternoon, when the sun had 
dispelled the mists of the morning and the 
sky again displayed its soft Italian beauty, 
Francesca was seated in an arbor in her 
fathers garden. A robe of soft silk, cut 
low at the neck, displayed her delicate 
throat and exquisitely-moulded shoulders, 
whilst the bloom of her cheeks rivalled that 
of the roses that grew about her. On the 
seat, at her side, lay a book containing her 
favorite poem, the story of Launcelot and 
Guenevere. 

She had been reading the poem, and had 
ceased only when the tender pathos of the 
story had touched her gentle heart and 
brought tears of sympathy to her pitying 
eyes. She could not see to read; her tears 


FRANGESCA DA RIMINI. 


49 


blinded her. She laid down the book and 
gave herself up to reverie. The moment was 
one calculated to evoke the memories of her 
own life and contrast it with that of the 
heroine of the romance. 

Her thoughts reverted to the time when, 
as a pupil in the convent, she and her com- 
rades were wont to discuss their own future 
fortunes in life, and the manner of hus- 
bands they would choose. Francesca re- 
membered full well that the majority of the 
girls chose to be wooed by a cavalier who 
should come to the castle gate clad in shin- 
ing armor, and mounted on a prancing steed 
whose proud spirit should harmonise with 
that of his master. Such was the ideal 
lover of the period and the one sought for 
by young ladies of a romantic nature. Per- 
haps it has been ever so, in all ages, in all 
countries. Has not the rugged son of Mars 
been Cupid’s favorite since the beginning of 


50 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


time? The history of love confirms that 
fact. 

Not so with Francesca. She had ever 
dreamed of a lover who should come in the 
form of a fairy prince, clad in rich velvets 
and soft silks in place of shining armor, 
with fine curly hair surmounted by cap and 
feather. Her lover should come bearing 
bright jewels and rich presents for his bride, 
in lieu of the accoutrements and panoply of 
war. His voice should be soft and musical, 
his manners should be gentle and courteous ; 
he should be bred in the court, not in the 
camp ; be a courtier, not a soldier. He must 
combine the graces of a woman with the gal- 
lantry of a man. Francesc*a had set up a 
lofty ideal. She sought a rara avis in those 
days of strenuous life, when war was man’s 
usual vocation, when town was pitted 
against town, and even neighbor against 
neighbor. The amenities of social life and 
the gentle arts of peace were crushed to 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


51 


earth beneath the stern necessities of war. 

That day, in her reverie, Francesca won- 
dered when her fairy prince would arrive. 
No one she had yet seen at her father’s court 
bore his resemblance. Of late, her father 
had vaguely hinted of a marriage, but gave 
her no definite idea of his meaning. To her, 
her father’s will was law, his choice must be 
accepted. So, she hoped, she prayed, that 
her father’s choice would be her fairy prince. 


52 


mANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


CHAPTER V. 

FRANCESCA^S DREAM. 

Francesca was sitting in her chamber, 
idly gazing from the window at the land- 
scape presented to her view. At her feet, 
lay Ravenna, active and bustling in the sun- 
light, but the only sound that reached her 
ear was the clattering of horses’ hoofs. It 
was a scene of peaceful commercial activity, 
liable at any moment to be interrupted by 
a civic brawl between adherents of contend- 
ing political parties, or by an invading army 
from a neighboring city. Ravenna w^as a 
small republic ; so small that it was in con- 
stant danger of attack from its more power- 
ful and ambitious neighbors. That was the 
cause of Guido’s anxiety. 


FBANGE8CA DA RIMINI. 


53 


After following the course of the river as 
it meandered slowly and carelessly in a zig- 
zag manner, across the salt marshes, Fran- 
cesca^s eyes rested upon the calm blue 
waters of the Adriatic, sparkling in the sun- 
light. She was musing, dreaming, and half- 
expecting that a fairy ship might sail into 
view on the bosom of the sea, bearing on 
its magic deck the fairy prince, coming to 
Ravenna to woo, and carry away as a happy 
bride, the fair Francesca. To her mind, 
the idea was not an improbable one. Whilst 
absorbed in this reverie, a knock came at 
her door. It startled her. It was the real- 
ization of her dream. It was the fairy 
prince knocking at the castle gate. Her 
heart throbbed with excitement ; her breath- 
ing was short and quick. Then a second 
knock sounded, accompanied by a voice call- 
ing her name. It was Nerissa’s voice. The 
spell was ended. 

It was Nerissa with a message from Lord 


54 


FRANGESGA DA EIMINL 


Guido that he Avished to speak Avith Fran- 
cesca in his apartment. The summons aa as 
an unusual one and meant an intervieAV of 
grave intent. She hastened to obey it. 
When she entered her father’s apartment, he 
greeted her Avdth more than ordinary tender- 
ness, and seated her at his side. 

^‘My child, I haA^e sent for you on a mat- 
ter that is of serious moment to both of us. 
You As^ere, in early life, bereft of a loA^ng 
mother’s care ; since then, I have tried to till 
a double role, father and mother in one. 
You made my task an easy one by your 
gentle obedience to my every Avish. You 
never Avere a As^ayAvard child, nor tried to 
thAvart my plans. I trust you neA^er Avill.” 

He paused. Francesca Avas puzzled to 
understand A\hat Avas meant by this long 
preamble, delivered in a tone and manner so 
unlike her father’s usual stern, commanding 
air. When he paused, as if for a reply, she 
simply echoed his last words, mechanically : 
never will,” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


55 


know I can rely on your obedience. 
Our little republic stands in grave danger 
from foreign foes. Even now we are threat- 
ened by an invasion of the Venetians, and 
onr own citizens may revolt against me at 
any moment. Such peril is ever present.’^ 

‘‘Yes, father; I wish, that I could help 
you.’^ 

“You can, my child, you may avert the 
danger, or help me to repel it when R 
conies.’^ 

“How so, father?’’ enquired Francesca, 
with wondering eyes. 

“By a marriage with Lanciotto, the son 
of Lord Malatesta of Kimini. The union of 
our houses would protect us against a com- 
mon foe, and ensure neutrality between our- 
selves. I need their help, and they have 
equal need of mine.” 

“But I have never seen Lord Malatesta’s 
son. What is he like?” 

“A man of honor and courage who will 


56 


FBAJ^CESGA DA BIMINI 


bring much credit to our house, and honor 
to his wife. I would not have selected him 
as your husband, did I not know his worth.’^ 
should like to know something of his 
personal appearance,” suggested Fran- 
cesca, timidly. 

understand, my child, you would like 
to know if he is young and handsome, ^ 
paragon of grace and beauty. Well, Fran- 
cesca, that is quite natural. Young girls, 
just from the convent, have romantic ideas 
of life, and see only the outward form and 
feature of the man. They never look within 
for sterling worth. But you shall see and 
judge him for yourself. Within a week he 
will come to Ravenna to claim you for his 
bride.” 

hope I shall like him — for your sake, 
my dear father.” 

^^Not for my sake alone, but for the sake 
of Ravenna and our ancient house. I trust 
you will prove a worthy daughter of the 
house of Polenta.” 


FBANGESGA DA RIMINI. 


57 


So saying, he liissed her on the forehead 
and dismissed her. 

Francesca returned to her chamber and 
resumed her reverie. Her thoughts now as- 
sumed a more definite form. She knew, at 
least, that her fairy prince was a Count of 
the house of Malatesta, that he was now in 
Rimini; and she scanned the southern hori- 
zon in an effort to catch a glimpse of the dis- 
tant spires and towers of the ancient city. 

For a few days longer he will exist in her 
thoughts as the fairy prince; then he will 
come knocking at the castle gate, and be 
thenceforth an actual living entity. That 
night as she fell asleep, her thoughts were 
of him. 

She was walking alone through a vast 
forest. A narrow path led through thick 
bushes and beneath gigantic overhanging 
trees. The sun had set, and already dark- 
ness was gathering in the forest. The path 
was barely visible in the thickening gloom. 


58 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


^\\e hurried on, as her fear increased with 
the darkness. Then she imagined she heard 
footsteps behind her. She dared not stop 
to look behind; she hastened her already 
rapid pace in an effort to escape her pur- 
suer. Now, she could hear the panting 
breath of the unknown creature ; it was gain- 
ing on her. She was running with all her 
speed ; her feet scarcely touched the ground. 
It was close behind, and every instant she 
expected to be seized in its embrace. At 
last she wandered from the path and became 
entangled in the bushes; she could go no 
farther; she turned and faced her pursuer. 
Before her, stood a creature with hideous 
face and glaring eyes, distorted limbs and 
rounded back — a frightful, misshapen crea- 
ture — with little semblance of a man. 

^AVho are 3011?” she cried. 

AVith a mocking, fiendish grin, he replied : 
‘T am your husband! Lanciotto!’^ 

Then, as he advanced to embrace her, she 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


59 


shrieked and fell to the ground in a swoon. 
The fall awoke her. 

It was a dream. 

When she awoke, she leaped from her bed 
in a fright. She was trembling, and her 
brow was bathed with perspiration. She 
slept no more that night. She sat at the 
window and watched the stars pale and 
vanish, one by one, before the power of the 
neAV-born day; she saw the sun rise mys- 
teriously out of the misty surface of the 
Adriatic Sea; she saAV the fishermen pur- 
suing their lazy course up the river Avith 
their night’s catch of fish; she saAV the 
streets of the city aAvakening to the life of 
another day. Her eyes saAV these sights, 
but paid no heed, nor communicated the 
same to her aching brain. The dream ab- 
sorbed her thoughts, irritated her, Avorried 
her. 

Throughout the day, she could not drive 
it from her memory; the hideous spectre 


60 


FRANOESOA DA RIMINI 


was constantly before her eyes. She was 
nervous, restless ; and fearful that the vision 
was prophetic. She was a woman — there- 
fore she believed in dreams and premoni- 
tions. It must have some significance. 
What could it be? She saw only one inter- 
pretation. The Count of Rimini was some 
mysterious creature, a monster of some 
description. That idea took firm possession 
of her mind. The romance of her wedding 
was absorbed and wholly extinguished by 
this dreadful doubt which, like jealousy, 
grew stronger every hour without any ap- 
parent reason. 

She instructed her maid to make inquiries 
amongst the soldiers, and obtain some par- 
ticulars in regard to the personal appear- 
ance of the Count. She could not await his 
arrival. She must know at once. 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


61 


CHAPTER VI. 

LANCIOTTO^S ENVOY. 

The day was perfect. The blue sky of 
Italy was cloudless. The sun shone 
brightly, but seemed to have abated some of 
its wonted heat in honor of the day. From 
early morn the retainers of Lord Guido had 
been astir to dress the palace in holiday at- 
tire. Not a speck of dust remained on the 
mosaic floors. Each marble pillar was 
polished until it reflected like a mirror. 
Each urn was fllled with newly-blossomed 
flowers. The armor and the spears and 
other implements of war that adorned the 
great hall had been burnished until they 
glittered with every particle of light. The 
soldiers, with shimmering arms and cui- 
rasses and fresh doublet and hose, added to 


62 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


the gayety of the scene. Even the stern 
face of Lord Guido relaxed into the sem- 
blance of a smile as he viewed the trans- 
formation of his dingy, ill-kept palace into a 
bower of beauty. But why this change? 

Last night a courier arrived with a dis- 
patch stating that the Count of Rimini 
would arrive this day to escort the bride to 
her future home. Poor Francesca! Her 
doubts and fears will soon be ended. Her 
future lord and master, her fairy prince, 
will soon come knocking at the castle gate. 

At noon a messenger arrived to announce 
that his master, the Count of Rimini, would 
arrive two hours later. Then the confusion 
and bustle increased. The men-at-arms, 
pages and retainers were assigned their 
places in the audience hall ; and, as the hour 
drew nigh. Lord Guido entered and took his 
seat on the dais at one end of the hall. 
Francesca soon followed, accompanied by 
her maids of honor. 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


63 


A flourish of trumpets indicated that the 
visitors had arrived at the palace gates. A 
few minutes later, a page announced “The 
Count of Rimini.” He was closely followed 
by other pages, bearing caskets of jewels as 
presents to the bride. Then came Paolo, 
followed by his body-guard and a few men- 
at-arms. 

As Paolo advanced to the dais to greet the 
tyrant of Ravenna, a confused murmur ran 
through the hall. It was a murmur of 
admiration and surprise at the handsome 
youth, the joy and pride of Rimini. To-day, 
his comely features and dark curly hair, his 
slender but athletic figure, and his graceful 
bearing were adorned by a doublet of crim- 
son satin slashed with white; his costume, 
from cap to toe, was of the same crimson 
tint — a color that served to enhance the rich, 
dark beauty of his youthful features. 

After making his obeisance before Lord 
Guido, Paolo raised his ev^es and beheld, for 


64 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


the first time, the beautiful Francesca. He 
stood mute from astonishment; his eyes 
remained fastened on her blue orbs. His 
steadfast gaze abashed her ; she dropped her 
eyes and lowered her head. 

Paolo was brought to a realization of his 
position by the voice of Guido: 

^^Welcome to Kavenna, son of Malatesta! 
You seem to be the w^orthy scion of a noble 
father.” 

‘‘Lord of Ravenna, I thank you ! I bring 
you greetings of friendship from Lord Mala- 
testa. I come on an errand of peace, and 
hope I may prove to be a harbinger of joy 
and fortune to both our houses. I have 
come to pluck the choicest flower in Ra- 
vennans garden and carry it back to Rimini. 
A rumor was current in Rimini that Lord 
Guido’s daughter was the fairest lady in 
Ravenna. I now perceive that such rumor 
conveyed only half the truth — I find her to 
be the fairest lady in all Italy. Be assured 


FRAN0E8CA DA BIMINI. 


65 


that she will receive in Rimini that welcome 
which her virtues and her beauty merit.” 

‘^We know the honor of your noble house, 
and can trust to its care the flower of Ra- 
venna. We will be prepared to depart for 
Rimini within three days ; until then, be our 
guest.” 

thank you!” said Paolo. ^‘With your 
permission I will retire to rest myself and 
remove the stains of travel from my cloth- 
ing.” 

That evening, when the maid Nerissa was 
assisting her mistress at her toilet, Fran- 
cesca was in the best of spirits. 

^^Did you see him, Nerissa? Is he not 
handsome?” asked Francesca. 

‘‘Who, my lady?” 

“Why the Count of Rimini — my be- 
throthed, my fairy prince, who arrived to- 
day. Did he not look handsome in that 
crimson costume? I fell in love with him 
at once. My father will not require to urge 


66 


FRANGE8GA DA RIMINI. 


me farther in this marriage. I will con- 
sent joyfully, and thanh the saints for send- 
ing such a husband.’’ 

‘‘But, my lady, are you not mistaken? 
This gentleman is not your betrothed.” 

“How so, Nerissa? What do you mean?” 

“Is not your betrothed named Lanciotto?” 

“Yes; Lanciotto, Count of Bimini, son of 
Lord Malatesta. The very man who came 
to-day.” 

“You will pardon me, my lady, if I am 
mistaken, but I heard it said by some of the 
soldiers that the man who came to-day is not 
Lanciotto ; that he is Paolo, a younger 
brother.” 

“Surely, that cannot be,” said Francesca. 
“They called him Count of Rimini, and he 
looked at me so earnestly, so tenderly; it 
must be he ! Tell me, how do these soldiers 
know that he is not Lanciotto?” 

“Some of the men-at-arms have fought in 
battle at the side of Lanciotto, and know 
him well. He is deformed, a hunchback — ” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


67 


^What! Lanciotto — deformed — a hunch- 
back.^^ 

“No, my lady; I did not mean that. I 
meant to say that he is as strong and cour- 
ageous as a lion; the bravest soldier in all 
Romagna.’’ 

“But you spoke of a deformity. What of 
it?” 

“Careless words, my lady. I meant them 
not. I know not whj^ I said them.” 

“You have heard it spoken of, perhaps?” 

“No, my lad}^ I know nothing of it.” 

“ ’Tis passing strange! Such was the 
creature of my dream. My father shall 
answer me to-morrow. Nerissa, you may 
go !” 

Francesca passed a restless night. Her 
mind was filled with doubts and suspicions, 
which were strengthened every hour as she 
recalled to memory certain words and ac- 
tions of her father that had been inexplic- 
able heretofore. Had her father concealed 


68 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 


from her the truth concerning Lanciotto? 
Was it true that Lanciotto was lame or de- 
formed? It must be so! Else why did he 
not come himself to woo his bride and carry 
her back to Rimini ? It was a duty that cus- 
tom imposed on him to perform in person 
— yet he had sent a brother. 

Besides, her dream confirmed the story. 
Dreams are warnings sent from Heaven to 
guide us in the dark, mysterious future, and 
disclose to us the shoals whereon our bark 
of life will strand and be destroyed if we 
contemn the caution. 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


69 


CHAPTEK VII. 

A MYSTERY TO THE BRIDE. 

As early as possible next morning, Fran- 
cesca sought her father in his own apart- 
ineht. There, she could speak to him with- 
out reserve. She found him alone and, 
without any preliminary cavilling, she at 
once broached the subject. 

‘Tather, I have come to ask you a ques- 
tion to which I desire an honest answer.” 

^‘Have I ever given you aught but an hon- 
est answer, Francesca?” 

‘‘None, save such as silence might imply. 
The offense of omission may be as great a 
crime as that of actual commission.” 

“How DOW, child? You speak in 
riddles.” 


70 


FniN<^ESCA DA RIMINI. 


“I have heard a rumor from more than 
one quarter that Lanciotto, to whom you 
have betrothed me, is deformed, a hunch- 
back, and otherwise ill-favored by nature. 
You have seen him, my lord, and can answer 
my question truly.” 

^‘Aye, Francesca, I have seen him on 
many a battle-field cut his way through a 
score of the enemy. No arm so strong, no 
sword so true as his. The bravest soldier 
in Komagna!” 

do not doubt his courage, father,” said 
Francesca; ^fit is his form and features I 
suspect. What of them?” 

Lord Guido could not reply to this direct 
question at once. He required time to 
frame his answer. He Avas silent. 

^‘Your answer, father!” continued Fram 
cesca. 

Her persistency, and his inability to de- 
vise a suitable reply combined to render him 
irritable, 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI, 


71 


“Why, my daughter, your question is ab- 
surd. How, think you, could a man de- 
formed, a hunchback, in the midst of the 
enemy, hold his own against a score; and 
this, I have seen Lanciotto do. He is a 
proper man, a brave soldier, and a fit hus- 
band for any woman — even for my daughter 
— else I had not chosen him for you. So, 
say no more!’’ 

“But is he as well-favored as his brother 
who arrived here yesterday?” demanded 
Francesca, still seeking a direct answer. 

“As like as two brothers!” said Lord 
Guido. 

“Then why did he not come himself? 
Why did he send his brother?” 

“I do not know, my child. I did not ask 
him.” 

“You told me that Lanciotto was coming 
himself, and now I learn it is his brother 
who has come in his stead. There is some 
mystery, and, I suspect, deceit. I inherit 


72 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


your proud spirit, and will not brook de- 
ception.” 

‘^Francesca, when you see Lanciotto, you 
will find him to be all that I have repre- 
sented.” 

With such evasive answers, Francesca 
had to be content. She left her father’s 
apartment no wiser, but more doubtful than 
before. If the handsome Paolo had been 
her chosen husband, she would have been 
quite happy. She confessed to herself that 
she already loved him. She would question 
him to solve her doubts. He was so young, 
so noble, he would not deceive her. It was 
late in the afternoon before she had an op- 
portunity to talk with him in private. At 
that time she was sitting in her favorite 
arbor in the garden, when she saw Count 
Paolo coming down a pathway that would 
bring him close to her retreat. 

Paolo was sauntering through the garden, 
quite ignorant of the presence there, at that 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


73 


moment, of Kavenna^s choicest flower. Yet 
his thoughts had been centred on her since 
the moment of their first meeting. Her en- 
trancing beauty had captivated him at first 
sight, and it was only by the strong sense of 
duty and loyalty which he owed to his 
brother that he was restrained from laying 
his heart at her feet. He was thinking of 
her as he wandered through the garden; 
but he did not observe the presence of Fran- 
cesca until he was within six feet of the 
arbor. Then, suddenly raising his head, he 
met the gentle gaze of her soft, blue eyes. 
He stood still, from surprise and admira- 
tion, and knew not what to say. After a 
momentary silence, Francesca felt embar- 
rassed and, trembling, rose to her feet. 
This movement on the part of Francesca 
broke the spell and Paolo stepped forward, 
saying : 

^Tardon me! I do not wish to disturb 
you. I did not know that you were here, or 


74 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


I should have taken another path. I was 
admiring the flowers, but had no thought of 
withdrawing the lily from its peaceful se- 
clusion.’’ 

was about to return to the palace, so 
your arrival has not disturbed me, I assure 
you.” 

^^May I be your escort?” said Paolo. 

^‘If you will. I have a desire to ask you 
some questions concerning your brother. 
You understand that I know, as yet, very 
little about my betrothed husband. My 
father has told me nothing, save the fact 
that he is a brave soldier.” 

^‘Aye! that he is, my lady; he has the 
stoutest heart and keenest blade in all Eo- 
magna.” 

doubt it not; but I would know if he 
is fair to look upon,” said Francesca. 

‘^As fair as he is brave. In battle he has 
the courage of a lion; in time of peace his 
heart doth throb with sympathy and love 
for every friend.” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI, 


75 


^‘Couiit Paolo, it seems to me that you, 
like others, do trifle with my questions and 
seek to avoid a direct answer. Why this 
mystery? To me, his promised bride, noth- 
ing should be hidden.’’ 

‘‘I seek not to conceal, my lady,” said 
Paolo, ‘‘but, as I see it, the qualities of heart 
and mind so far outweigh all other consider- 
ations that I do dwell on them the most. 
’Tis they that make or mar our lives and 
happiness. The face and flgure are but the 
outer shell that may contain a flckle heart 
and empty mind. We should seek within to 
And the pearl, the heart of gold, the qual- 
ities that live forever and are remembered 
even after death. When we do lose a friend, 
it is not his fair face or comely flgure that 
we do mourn — but his kind heart and tender 
words; they never die.” 

“Fair words, my lord, and noble thoughts ; 
but my question is not answered. I must 
insist ” 


76 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


She stopped. Her father was approach- 
ing from the palace. When he had drawn 
near, he said : 

^‘Francesca, my child, you must hasten 
your preparations; we depart for Rimini 
to-morrow.’’ 

‘^Why so soon, my lord?” 

‘^Hear that, Paolo! Behold a bride who 
would not haste her wedding-day! I hope, 
Paolo, you may prove a stronger magnet to 
some fair lady. Go, Francesca, and pre- 
pare for the journey^ I would discuss with 
Paolo some affairs of state.” 

After Francesca had left them. Lord 
Guido said to Paolo: 

^‘This marriage must be hastened. My 
daughter grows suspicious, and may refuse 
to go, if we delay. We will leave for Rimini 
to-morrow morning.”^ 

fear, my lord, that ts’e do wrong in Con- 
cealing from her Lanciotto’s deformity. He 
charged me to tell her all, and will be angry 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINL 


77 


if we deceive her. I wish that she were 
told, yet the task is not to my liking. What 
think you, my lord? Should you not tell 
herr^ 

Lord Guido hesitated a moment, as 
though debating the matter in his mind, 
then replied: 

‘‘No; let us wait until we reach Rimini. 
Twere better so. Once there, we’ll have no 
trouble.” 


78 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THEIR FIRST MEETING. 

Next morning, the palace was a scene of 
bustle and confusion from dawn of day. 
One hundred men-at-arms had been selected 
as an escort for the bride and her fatlier; 
and many of Ravenna’s young noblemen 
were to accompany them to Rimini. The 
finest steeds in Guido’s stable were groomed 
and caparisoned for the occasion. As the 
procession passed through the palace gate, 
the morning sun was reflected on the heads 
of glittering spears, on burnished breast- 
plates and on the spangles and gold braid 
of the animals’ caparison. With a fanfare 
of trumpets, and with waving banners, the 


FRANGESGA DA BIMINI. 


79 


pageant moved through the streets of Ra- 
venna ; the citizens were gathered on either 
side of the way to pay homage to the bride 
or strew flowers in her path. Amongst the 
older women, who had daughters of their 
own, many a heart throbbed in sympathy 
for the bride, many a muttered prayer or 
soul-felt “A Dio’^ ascended to Heaven, 
whilst the tender-hearted could not repress 
their tears. The younger women smiled 
and waved their kerchiefs ; they had no feel- 
ings of sympathy for the bride; they envied 
her, and would fain have taken her place. 

Francesca paid no heed to the spectators ; 
she saw neither the smiles nor tears that she 
evoked. Her face was pale and thoughtful 
— even sad. She had passed a sleepless 
night ; her mind was filled with doubts and 
fears concerning the coming wedding and 
the mysterious bridegroom. She had no 
one to advise her, no friend to consult. She 
felt that she was going to the altar as a 


80 


FRAN(]E8CA DA RIMINI. 


sacrifice, friendless and alone. If her face 
were sad to-day, it was only the faithful 
mirror of her heart. 

After the lapse of a couple of hours, Paolo 
rode to her side to extend some cheering 
words. He said: 

hope your welcome at Rimini will be 
cordial enough to reconcile you to your de- 
parture from Ravenna.^^ 

‘‘Ah! my lord,’- she replied, “my heart is 
filled with doubts and misgivings. Why it 
should be, I do not know. It is a presenti- 
ment of coming evil — a feeling I can neither 
control nor explain.” 

“You need have no misgivings, my lady; 
nothing but love and kindness await you in 
the house of Malatesta.” 

“Yet there is an old prophecy which has 
existed in our family for generations, but 
has never been tested until now. It says 
‘Beware of the day when the houses of the 
Malatesta and Polenta shall be united.^ 


FRAnomOA DA RlMim. 


81 


Some laugh at the prediction ; I do not treat 
it 80 lightly, as I may be its victim/^ 

^^Have no fear, my lady ; it is only the idle 
talk of some vindictive woman who bore a 
grudge against your house. You will find 
many friends awaiting you at Rimini. 

*‘Ah sighed Francesca, have no such 
hopes, my lord, unless you may prove my 
friend.’^ 

‘^You may depend on me to give you the 
care and protection of a brother,” said 
Paolo, earnestly. 

Throughout their various conversations 
on the way to Rimini, neither of them spoke 
of Lanciotto. Paolo gladly avoided the sub- 
ject, and was in constant fear that she 
would renew her inquiries of the previous 
day. Francesca did not again broach the 
topic, as she felt it was repugnant to Paolo. 

When the bridal party arrived in sight of 
Rimini, a score of young noblemen were in 
waiting to act as an escort to the visitors. 


82 


ItrANCESCA da RIMINI 


As they entered the streets of the city, they 
were met by young girls who went before 
the bride, singing songs and strewing the 
roadway with flowers, and as the cavalcade 
approached the palace of the Malatesta, the 
flourish of trumpets and the cheers of the 
populace combined to make Francesca^s wel- 
come a noisy and enthusiastic one. It suc- 
ceeded in lifting some of the burden from 
her heart, and she smiled for the flrst time 
that day. Her smile may have been an act 
of courtesy in response to the people^s ac- 
clamations; it may not have come from the 
heart. Who can tell? Paolo, who was 
watching her closely, thought “that smile 
comes from her lips alone — her eyes and 
heart do not join in it. Poor Francesca!’^ 
And pity is akin to love. 

On either side of the gateway to the 
palace, the men-at-arms and retainers of 
every grade were marshalled in honor of the 
occasion, and as Francesca passed through 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


83 


the gate a fanfare from fifty trumpets rent 
the air like thunder. 

Lord Malatesta and his sons Malates- 
tini and Pandolfo were standing before the 
great door of the castle; Lanciotto was not 
with them. As the guests approached, 
Lord Malatesta greeted them : 

“Welcome to Rimini, Lord of Ravenna! 
And thou, fair daughter of Guido, art 
doubly welcome as guest and bride. We 
have much need of your bright eyes to illum- 
ine the sombre recesses of our gloomy castle. 
^Tis well-nigh forty years since a bride has 
graced our banquet hall. Thou art thrice 
welcome, fair Francesca!’’ 

After the formal greetings were ended. 
Lord Guido said: 

“I do not see Lanciotto. Where is he?” 

“He is within, my lord,” replied Mala- 
testa. “No doubt he would desire a more 
private meeting with his bride, removed 
from the curious gaze of the retainers, but 


84 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


he must not delay his greeting. I shall 
send for him.” Then, addressing a page, 
he said, “Tell Count Lanciotto to come 
hither !” 

The page hastened to obey the command, 
and a moment later Lanciotto appeared in 
the doorway, and stood, with eager eyes, 
scanning the faces of the guests in a search 
for his promised bride. Francesca, on her 
part, stood with one hand grasping the arm 
of her maid, the other hand raised to her 
brow, with parted lips and staring eyes, in 
unfeigned amazement at the picture pre- 
sented to her view. There, in the doorway, 
was her bridegroom ; to her bewildered eyes, 
he seemed not like a man, but rather like a 
beast — a creature whose misshapen legs and 
rounded back, whose distorted features and 
straggling beard, all served to strengthen 
the illusion. Then, when Lanciotto ad- 
vanced to greet the visitors, his limping gait 
gave added weight to the impression. 


FRANGBtiCA DA RIMINI. 


85 


Amazement held her spell bound, she could 
not stir, nor remove her eyes from him. 
Lanciotto spoke to her father, saying: 

^^Lord Guido, I am pleased to greet you in 
Eimini, far removed from the tented field 
where it has been our wont to meet. I 
would fain salute your daughter.^’ 

‘^Francesca, my daughter, come forward, 
and greet Count Lanciotto,’’ said Guido. 

Francesca timidly advanced one step, 
then stopped. The movement sufficed to 
identify her. Lanciotto addressed her: 

^^Fair lady, I welcome you to the house of 
the Malatesta. May your days here be as 
bright and cloudless as they have been in 
your fair city of Ravenna!” 

Francesca could not reply. Her eyes 
sought Paolo for an instant, then she turned 
and buried her face on the shoulder of her 
maid, Nerissa. Lanciotto was amazed; 
then, he advanced to Paolo and asked, 
eagerly ; 


86 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


‘‘Did you not tell her? Have you de- 
ceived her?’’ Then, turning to her father, 
he said, “Lord Guido, what does this mean?” 

Receiving no reply, Lanciotto continued : 

“Ah! Paolo, you well may droop your 
head in guilt and shame. And you, also. 
Lord Guido! To bring this young girl 
hither, unprepared for this event. It were 
a cruel Avrong to me — and her. I did not 
Avish it so. I thought she had been told. 
Ah, Paolo! Why did you deceive her?” 

Lanciotto paused for a reply. Paolo re- 
mained silent; Lord Guido advanced to 
Francesca’s side. Lanciotto then con- 
tinued : 

“The wrong can yet be righted. ’Tis not 
too late. A soldier’s honor is at stake. I 
never yet took an unfair advantage over my 
most bitter enemy; my record as a soldier 
stands unblemished with any taint of fear 
or treachery. I will not smirch that record 
noAv by taking an unjust advantage of this 
fair maid.” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


87 


Then, turning to Francesca, he continued 
in tender tones that emphasized the pathos 
of the scene: 

^‘Fair daughter of Ravenna! You need 
not fear to raise your eyes and look upon my 
face. Within my poor, misshapen form, 
there beats an honest, soldier’s heart, throb- 
bing with justice, and ever ready to right a 
wrongful act. I share with you the cruel 
anguish of the present moment. I, too, am 
the victim of this deception — I thought you 
knew the truth. I understand your disap- 
pointment. You came here to meet a lover, 
to gain a husband, who, in form and feature, 
would be worthy of your love and admira- 
tion, and worthy of the wondrous grace and 
beauty which you were willing to bestow 
on him. I am not that man. I am Lanci- 
otto, the hunchback, Lanciotto, the cripple, 
versed only in the rude art of war, and ne’er 
designed to kneel and worship at the shrine 
of Cupid. But, lady, I would have you 


88 


FEANCE8CA DA EIMIWL 


know that my soul, my honor, were not 
warped by nature ; they are as pure and un- 
sullied as your own. In proof of that, I 
now declare that you are free! Free to 
return to Ravenna, released from every tie 
or promise that bound our troth.^’ 

He ceased speaking. Until now, Fran- 
cesca’s head had remained on her maid’s 
shoulder. When she no longer heard Lan- 
ciotto’s voice, she raised her head, turned 
and looked toward him as though about to 
speak, then, with a shudder, she ttirned and 
fell into Nerissa’s arms. Lord Guido 
turned to Lanciotto and said : 

^^You will pardon my daughter, my lord; 
she is not well. The journey has fatigued 
her.” 

will await her answer,” replied Lanci- 
otto. 

Lord Guido turned to Francesca as 
though to comfort her, then whispered in 
her ear: 


FBANGE8GA DA BIMINI. 


89 


child, you must marry him! The 
honor and the safety of our house depend 
upon it. You must not release him! Come, 
give him your answer!’’ 

Francesca looked up, and, in a faltering 
voice, she said: 

cannot release you, my lord. I came 
here your plighted bride, and will fulfill my 
troth.” 

Lanciotto’s face brightened. He drew 
nearer to Francesca, and in a tone of 
mingled surprise and anxiety, he inquired: 

^‘Do I hear aright, my lady? After you 
have seen me as I am, and know so well the 
distortion of my poor frame, do you still 
pledge your troth? Be good enough to 
answer me once more.” 

“I do still insist, my lord. The Count 
Paolo had told me of your good qualities of 
heart and mind, and, to-day, I have dis- 
covered them for myself.” 


90 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


Lanciotto raised his hands above his head 
and exclaimed, in joyful tones: 

‘^Thank Heaven! The sun has risen at 
last on the darkness of my life, and, hence- 
forth, I shall live in an atmosphere of sun- 
shine and love. The cup of happiness, 
which I had never hoped to touch, has been 
lifted to my lips and I shall sip at it for- 
evermore. Did’st hear, Paolo? She, Fran- 
cesca, has looked on me and found me fair. 
She, yet, will be my wife. Ah ! Paolo, how 
happy I am ! How happy I am !’’ 

And Lanciotto embraced Paolo in an 
ecstacy of joy. 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI, 


91 


CHAPTER IX. 

THE NURSE^S VISION. 

On the following day, Lanciotto was 
walking to and fro in his apartment. He 
was happy. It was the first time his soul 
had soared above the clouds that he might 
gaze upon their silver lining. Hitherto, he 
had seen only their dark side. Now, to be 
the possessor of such a beautiful bride 
seemed to him as a foretaste of Elysium. 
The mere possession pleased and gTatified 
him. He had not yet considered whether 
he possessed her love. That question had 
not yet risen to disturb his mind. 

Happiness is, at the best, only a com- 
parative state. It is never complete. So 
it was, even now, with Lanciotto. As he 


92 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI, 


walked back and forth, his face bore a 
happy expression ; yet, at times, he stopped, 
and then a slight compression of the lips 
and contraction of the brows disclosed the 
fact that he was not completely happy ; that 
some anxious or apprehensive thought 
marred his joy. We do risk and suffer much 
to gain that happiness which at once makes 
us again unhappy by apprehension of its 
loss. 

What did Lanciotto fear? Whence came 
his anxious look? He could not have ex- 
plained it himself, beyond saying that he 
was seized by an undefinable dread that he, 
Lanciotto the cripple, could not hold, even 
though he gained, the love of a girl so young 
and beautiful as Francesca. It was con- 
trary to nature, and opposed to reason. 
Some younger man, more favored by nature, 
would win her from him. Such was the 
trend of his thoughts, when a knock came 
at the door and a page entered. 


mANGESGA DA RIMINL 


93 


^‘Well, what do you want?” demanded 
Lanciotto — annoyed at the interruption. 

^‘Your old blind nurse, Teresa, wishes to 
speak with you. She is waiting below.” 

^^Bring her up. I will see her here.” 

When the page again entered the room 
leading the blind woman, Lanciotto ad- 
vanced, dismissed the page, and carefully 
and gently led Teresa to a seat. Then he 
stood at her side and stroked her gray hairs. 

‘‘You tremble, nurse. What troubles 
you?” 

“My son! for you are my son. ’Twas I 
who cared for you in infancy, shared your 
childish joys and sorrows, and have never 
ceased to watch over you to guard you from 
threatened evil. I nursed your brothers, 
also; but you, Lanciotto, were my favorite 
child. Your crippled form touched my 
heart and made you doubly dear.” 

“I am sure of that, good nurse. I love 
you as a mother — none other have I had.” 


94 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINL 


“What is this I hear about a guest who 
arrived at the castle yesterday? Who is 
sher^ 

“You mean Francesca, daughter of Lord 
Guido of Kavenna? She is my promised 
bride, good mother.’’ 

“Ah! then ’tis true! I wished to hear it 
from your own lips. I would not believe it 
else.” 

“Are you not glad? Do you not rejoice 
in my happiness? To know that your 
Lanciotto is to have for bride the fair Fran- 
cesca, the most beautiful girl in all Ro- 
magna, should make you happy also. You 
have shared my sorrows; now, you must 
share my joy.” 

“It is of that I wish to speak, Lanciotto. 
Come, sit at my side. Give me your hand. 
There! You know, my child, that we who 
lose our sight are not quite blind. Rather, 
we gain a second sight which enables us to 
see into the future. Yesterday, when I was 


FHANCESGA DA RlMmi, 


95 


told a lady had arrived to be your wife, I 
asked them to describe her so I might know 
how she doth look.’’ 

“Ah! Teresa, I wish that you could see 
her for yourself. She is so fair and beauti- 
ful.” 

The nurse sighed ; then said : 

“Last night I saw her in a vision, so 
young, so beautiful, such lovely hair! She 
was seated in the garden, in an arbor, sur- 
rounded by roses, reading a book. At last, 
she let the book fall upon her knees, whilst 
her eyes closed — but not in sleep. She was 
lost in meditation.” 

“What then ? Continue !” 

“A man appeared upon the scene and took 
a seat at her side. He picked up the book, 
and commenced to read. She listened with 
attentive ear, and eagerly inclined toward 
him. As he read, they nearer drew, still 
nearer, until their lips met in a rapturous 
kiss.” 


96 


FKANGESCA DA RIMINI 


‘What then?” inquired Lanciotto, with 
savage haste. 

“No more. I saw no more. Then all 
was dark,” she replied. 

“The man ! What was he like? Describe 
him, so when we meet, I can rend him limb 
from limb.” 

Lanciotto arose, and commenced to walk 
the floor, clenching his hands with jealous 
rage. 

“It was so dim, I could not see his face 
distinctly,” answered Teresa. “I fear I 
would not know the man again, although I 
saw his face a second time.” 

“When and where?” asked Lanciotto, 
halting in his walk. 

“I had a second vision. Then I saw two 
corpses lying on a bier, clasped in each 
other^s arms. Both were so young and fair, 
Twas sad, Twas piteous ! My heart bled for 
them.” 

“Ah! ha!” exclaimed Lanciotto, grasp- 



Eleonora Duse as Francesca da Rimini, 






FRANCESCA DA RIMINL 


97 


ing the old nurse by the arm. ''Were they 
the same, the two you saw kissing in the 
arbor? Answer, quick!’’ 

"They were the same.” 

"Thank God !” exclaimed Lanciotto, in 
frenzied delight. "I would that I could kill 
them, then grind them ’neath my heel. Al- 
though deformed, I have a pride and honor 
to uphold, and he who seeks to rob me of the 
same will never live to tell the tale. But, 
Teresa, try to tell me of this man so I may 
flud him.” 

"If I could, Lanciotto! His form and 
bearing were familiar — I have seen him oft 
— yet cannot name him.” 

'‘Why tell me aught? Why rouse sus- 
picions that you cannot shape? I was so 
happy ere you told me. I stood basking, 
smiling, in the delicious warmth of the only 
sunshine that ever brightened my sad 
life, and now you have drawn the veil of 
suspicion across the sun and all is dark 
again.” 


98 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


^‘Lanciotto, my son, forgive me. I meant 
it in all kindness. I wished to warn you 
against impending danger. It was my duty 
so to do.’’ 

‘^You are right, Teresa ; pardon my angry 
words. But, leave me now! I wish to be 
alone. I thank you for your tidings.” 

Lanciotto walked to the door, called the 
page, who came and led Teresa away. 

When left alone, Lanciotto walked to and 
fro, with nervous haste and darkened brow. 
Like all deformed people, he was extremely 
sensitive to insult or injury; moreover, he 
had a quick, vindictive temper that lacked 
restraint. With him, even so slender a 
foundation as the nurse’s vision served on 
which to erect a vast superstructure of sus- 
picion and jealousy. He reflected upon his 
own marred figure and on Francesca’s fault- 
less beauty. Would not he proud spirit re- 
volt at such a marriage? Did she not shrink 
from him at their first meeting, at her first 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


99 


sight of him? And yet — ’twas strange! 
She would not release him from his troth. 
AVas not that an indication of her love? 

A knock came at the door. Paolo en- 
tered. Lanciotto advanced and grasped his 
hand — then said: 

‘‘1 am glad you have come, Paolo; I 
wished to speak with you.’’ 

“To tell me how’ happy you are! To ex- 
patiate on the beauty of the bride! All 
lovers bore their friends thus.” 

“Do not jest, Paolo. I am serious. I 
w ish to tell you how’ miserable I am ” 

“No, no! Lanciotto; with such a bride 
that is impossible. You suffer from the in- 
termittent fever of love — alternate hopes 
and fears ; and now- the fears are uppermost. 
Courage, my brother, courage! You will 
soon recover.” 

“Ah! Paolo, ’tis kind of you to give me 
cheer, but w^ait until you hear my tale. You 

saw^, yourself, how^ Francesca did turn from 
LofC. 


100 FBAN0E8GA DA RIMINI. 

me and hide her eyes when first we met. 
Why so? Because my form displeased her. 
Because repugnance gained the upper hand 
of courtesy. I felt the sting, but had for- 
gotten it again till now, Teresa, our poor 
blind nurse, came to me and told me of her 
vision.’’ 

“What vision, Lanciotto? I have not 
heard of it.” 

Then Lanciotto repeated to him the 
nurse’s tale; the meeting in the garden, the 
reading of the book, the kiss, the corpses on 
the bier. When he had finished, Paolo 
asked : 

“But who were they? This lady and her 
lover !” 

“Teresa said the lady was my bride.” 

“ ’Tis absurd, my brother ; Teresa never 
saw Francesca — has no idea of her appear- 
ance; could not distinguish her from a thou- 
sand others. And the man?” 

“She could not recognize him, or would 
not name him — I know not which.” 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


101 


“Surely, Lanciotto,’’ said Paolo, with an 
air of earnestness calculated to carry con- 
viction with his words ; “surely you will not 
let the idle tale of a blind old woman weigh 
upon your thoughts. "Tis but the phantom 
of a doting mind, fit evidence of her senility. 
To heed her words is to declare your own 
folly. Why, Lanciotto, mark me! If she 
had sought to trouble me with such a tale, 
1 would have laughed at her, and bade her 
begone for a meddlesome witch — ^aye! even 
driven her forth as an emissary of Satan.’’ 

“Ah ! Paolo, your words reassure me. 
Perhaps I was foolish to listen to her story ; 
but, since nature treated me so unkindly at 
my birth, I distrust all mankind.” 

Paolo took his brother’s hand, and said: 

“Lanciotto, you need not fear your bride. 
No purer soul ever breathed the air of 
Kimini. I would willingly vouch for her.” 

“I thank you for your kind words. They 
have consoled me quite — I am myself 
again.” 


102 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


‘^Ha! Ha! Landotto; what did I tell 
you? You suffer from love’s fever, which 
now has changed again and hope is upper- 
most. Keep it so, and you will be happy. 
Why, look you! A mistress has more ter- 
rors for you than a legion of soldiers. 
Come, brother, be of good cheer! I’ll see 
you anon.” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


103 


CHAPTER X. 

THE TWO BOUQUETS. 

How was Francesca spending the time 
since her introduction to the bridegroom? 
What was the state of her feelings? Her 
grief and disappointment were not so great 
as they would have been had she not experi- 
enced a premonition of the truth. Her 
frightful dream, her deep-rooted suspicions, 
her father’s evasive replies, all had prepared 
her for the event. Therefore, the shock was 
not so formidable as it would otherwise 
have been. 

Yet, she passed a night of mournful 
moments, of sad reproaches toward those 
who had deceived her. In her eyes, the chief 


104 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


culprit was her father; he should not have 
deceived his own child, and forced her into 
this detestable marriage. As to Paolo, she 
found excuses for him ; there was no obliga- 
tion existing between him and her; his 
silence violated no duty that he owed her. 
In fact, in her present distress, she looked 
upon Paolo as a friend, her only friend, on 
whom she might lean and seek consolation. 
Having withdrawn her confidence from her 
father, she was inclined, by force of circum- 
stances, to bestow it on Paolo; and con- 
fidence ever stands on the threshold of love. 

Next day, Francesca was loath to leave 
her chamber; she pleaded fatigue and ill- 
ness, and not without reason. A restless 
night had left her feverish and irritable. 
During the day, her father paid her a visit ; 
and was surprised to find her indisposed. 

^^How now, daughter !’’ he exclaimed. 
^^Why so sad and weary after so short and 
pleasant a journey?’’ 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


105 


was not the journey that saddened 
me; it was the result of the journey, the 
prize I found awaiting me at the hands of a 
loving father.” 

^^What mean these words, Francesca? I 
never heard you speak like this before.” 

^‘No, my lord, I never had occasion. But 
this trick, this deception, you have played 
on me, has changed the current of my 
thoughts and hardened the metal of my 
soul. Heretofore I have been as pliant as 
a child in your hands ; you have moulded me 
to your will as easily as molten metal; 
henceforth, you will find me as hard and in- 
flexible as the peak of yonder mountain.” 

Lord Guido stood amazed at the strange 
language of his daughter. He could not 
comprehend it. She, who had always been 
so docile and obedient, was now bidding 
him defiance. 

“My daughter!” he exclaimed, in alarm; 
“Surely, you will fulfil this marriage con- 


106 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


tract. You will not bring ruin on our 
house!’’ 

have passed my word, and will fulfil 
my pledge. I promised him my hand, but 
not my heart — that is my own. Love is 
guided by the decrees of nature, not by the 
commands of a father.” 

Lord Guido was relieved. His only care 
was that she should carry out the marriage. 

“Your conduct is honorable, and will re- 
ceive a father’s thanks, as well as the grati- 
tude of all Kavenna.” 

“No!” exclaimed Francesca. “Kavenna 
w’ill never see me more. I shall never again 
pass through its streets to see the finger of 
scorn pointing at me and to hear mocking 
tongues whisper, ^There goes the hunch- 
back’s wife!’ My pride will not suffer me 
to undergo such humiliation. I shall never 
leave Rimini; it will be to me a living 
tomb.” 

At that moment, a knock w^as heard at the 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


107 


door. A page entered, bearing a bunch of 
flowers which he handed to Francesca, and 
said: 

“From Count Lanciotto, my lady.^^ 

So soon as the page had left the room, 
Francesca suffered the flowers to fall from 
her hand, and walked to the window. Lord 
Guido stood for a moment in silence, then 
picked up the flowers, placed them on a 
table, and left the room. 

Later, accompanied by Nerissa, Fran- 
cesca repaired to a neighboring church to 
say her prayers, and, in the holy sanctuary, 
seek a momentary shelter and repose of 
soul. Whilst crossing the courtyard, on 
her return to the castle, she met Paolo; he 
was carrying some roses, which he pres- 
ented to her, accompanied by a graceful bow 
and a gracious speech. She looked con- 
fused, blushed, murmured her thanks and 
went her way. He watched after her with 
wistful eyes, and dropped a heartfelt sigh. 


108 FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 

When she reached her chamber, she 
kissed the roses many times, pressed them 
to her heart, and caressed them as though 
they had life and feeling. She cherished 
them as a token of love — the first she had 
ever received. Had Paolo given them to 
her in the same spirit? She had no reason 
to think so. He had neither said nor done 
anything that she could construe as an ex- 
pression of love. But love is not born of 
reason. It creeps unbidden into a maiden’s 
soul. It comes in form as subtle and insin- 
uating as the perfume of the flowers, whose 
sweetest odor is not half so delicious as the 
breath of love. A smile, a touch of the 
hand, even a single look will kindle it, but 
not an ocean quench. How, then, may we 
hope to discover the birth of love in Fran- 
cesca’s virgin heart? It came unbidden 
and unknown; but was nurtured by every 
thought, and fostered by her dreams. 


FBANCESOA DA BIMINI 


109 


CHAPTER XI. 

THE MARRIAGE. 

The wedding day has arrived. It is the 
day so anxiously awaited, so deeply feared, 
by both contracting parties. From early 
morning, the city has been a scene of un- 
wonted activity; everybody is in holiday 
attire, everybody is happy ; a wedding at the 
castle is the event of a lifetime, a sight no 
one would willingly miss. Even the peas- 
ants from the surrounding country have 
been pouring into the city from break of 
day and congregating in the vicinity of the 
castle. Mountebanks have erected booths 
on the streets, and are performing for the 
delectation of the rustics. The church bells 
have been ringing merry peals all day. 


110 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


In times of peace, Rimini was a quiet 
sober city, throbbing with commercial life, 
but leading a prosaic existence, destitute of 
social pleasures. Warfare was its custom- 
ary amusement ; consequently, such an 
event, as this marriage promised to be, was 
sufficient to move the citizens to a high 
plane of excitement. The interest in the 
wedding was further augmented by the well- 
known deformities of the bridegroom, and 
the rumored beauty of the bride. 

The church was in close proximity to the 
castle. Long before the appointed hour, 
the populace assembled in the vicinit}^, and 
it was with difficulty that the men-at-arms 
maintained order, and kept the crowds from 
encroaching on the pathway designed for 
the bridal party. This pathway was paved 
with rushes and strewn with flowers; and, 
on either side, men-at-arms were drawn up, 
bearing spears and lances. Over the en- 
trance to the church, the banners of the two 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI, 


111 


houses were draped in unison, and grouped 
about the entrance were two score children 
arrayed in white, gathered to welcome the 
departing bride with songs and flowers. 
Only the nobility were admitted within the 
church, save a few of the older servants, 
such as the faithful blind nurse. 

The approach of the bridal party was 
heralded by a blare of trumpets, which oc- 
casioned a great commotion amongst the 
people. Everyone pushed and jostled his 
neighbor in an effort to get nearer the path- 
way. In the vanguard of the procession 
came Lanciotto; his glistening armor, well- 
burnished, reflected a thousand sparks of 
sunlight; over his shoulders he wore an 
ermine cloak which fell to his waist. He 
was a great favorite with the citizens, and 
his progress to-day was marked by cheers 
and other tokens of approbation. 

The appearance of the bride was one of 
wondrous beauty, in her robe of shimmering 


112 


FBANGESOA DA RIMINI. 


white silk, ornamented with garlandis of 
pearls; her head was draped with a long 
white veil, and crowned with diamonds and 
orange blossoms. She walked with a calm, 
stately air, with downcast eyes, and was a 
perfect representation of modesty and in- 
nocence. There was about her a cold 
chaste beauty, at sight of which the multi- 
tude was hushed. She had the semblance 
of an angel ; it would have been sacrilege to 
cheer or make any vociferous demonstra- 
tion in her presence. As she passed be- 
tween the lines of spectators, they main- 
tained a profound silence, broken only by a 
few half-suppressed ejaculations of wonder 
and admiration which her beauty evoked. 

After the procession had entered the 
church, the spectators gossiped over it and 
criticised the bride^s appearance. One said, 
^^Ah ! the poor girl looks sad’’ ; another said, 
^Tt is plain she does not love him” ; whilst 
a third remarked, ^This is a fated day for 






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Aubrey Boucicault as Paolo. 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


113 


Riniini.” They agreed on one point — that 
the bride was passing beautiful. 

Within the church, the wedding was cele- 
brated with unusual pomp and ceremony. 
The officiating clergy consisted of a car- 
dinal, a bishop, and other lesser dignitaries, 
whilst the acolytes were boys of noble birth. 
At the conclusion of the ceremony, as the 
bride and groom were about to quit the 
altar, the court jester came running down 
the nave of the church, exclaiming: 

‘^Ah! Ha! You must kiss the bride. Let 
us see you kiss the bride.” 

Lanciotto was bewildered for an instant ; 
then, knowing that such was the custom, he 
turned to his bride to claim the kiss; but 
she turned her face away from him. 

‘^Ha, ha!” laughed the jester, ^^she does 
not kiss you. Ha, ha!” 

Lanciotto was now enraged at his humili- 
ating position. He could have throttled the 
jester without compunction. He stepped 


114 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


closer to Francesca, and said, in a hoarse 
whisper : 

^‘You are my wife. I claim a husband’s 
rights.” 

Lanciotto stood, in eager expectancy, 
awaiting her reply. The spectators were 
hushed, but interested, witnesses of this 
strange scene. The silence and suspense 
were at last broken by a page who entered 
the church and, hastily approaiching 'the 
bridal party, addressed Lanciotto : 

^‘My lord, a courier has arrived in haste 
from Pesaro with this dispatch,” at the 
same time handing a paper to Lanciotto. 
The latter read it, then, turning to Paolo, he 
said : 

^^All Pesaro has risen against the tax laid 
on them. Lord Andrea seeks my aid to 
quell the insurrection. I must muster my 
men at once and go to his assistance. 
Paolo, to your charge I entrust Francesca. 
Guard her carefulh^ You know I have been 


FBANGE8GA DA RIMINI 


115 


warned of some impending peril to her — 
therefore, use double care. You must 
answer for her safety, but I know you will 
not fail me. Farewell!’^ 

Then, turning to Francesca, he con- 
tinued : 

“A soldier^s duty calls me hence, but not 
for long. I will return with all conven- 
ient speed. In the meantime, I trust you to 
Paolo^s care, and do so without fear. He 
will take a brother’s care of you. Fare- 
well !” 

After Lanciotto’s abrupt departure, Paolo 
escorted Francesca from the church and 
through the throng of curious citizens, back 
to the castle. The bride was nervous and 
agitated, and clung to Paolo’s arm as 
though in fear. The spectators observed 
her agitation, and the confiding manner in 
which she clung to Paolo’s arm. The in- 
cident did not please the citizens, who in- 
dulged in many unfavorable comments. 


116 


FBANCE8CA DA RIMINI. 


During the absence of Lanciotto at 
Pesaro, his bride kept in discreet seclusion 
in her chamber with the exception of a 
couple of hours each morning which she 
spent in the garden to obtain needed exer- 
cise. At such times Paolo invariably met 
her to inquire after her health, but ended by 
passing the entire morning in her company. 
Of course, he sympathized with her in her 
lonely condition and sought to relieve her 
solitude; and she loved him because he 
pitied her. Their interviews grew longer, 
and their intercourse more tender, day by 
day, although no words of love passed be- 
tween them. Yet, heart spoke to heart, and 
eye to eye, and love was growing apace. 

At the end of a week, Paolo could not de- 
ceive himself any longer. He made a 
mental confession of his love for Francesca. 
It mortified his pride; it wounded his 
sense of honor, to think that he was betray- 
ing the trust reposed in him by his brother. 


FJRANGE8GA DA RIMINI. 


117 


Therefore, he resolved to fly from the 
temptation ; to leave Rimini as soon as pos- 
sible after Lanciotto’s return. 

Francesca, too, had come to a knowledge 
of her love for Paolo. It broke upon her 
startled soul with hope and joy. When he 
approached her, her bounding pulse would 
cry, ^‘Ah! that is he who carries in his 
breast my heart, my soul!’’ 


118 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


CHAPTER XII. 

FOOD FOR JEALOUSY. 

After an absence of a week at Pesaro, 
Lanciotto returned to Rimini to claim the 
bride from whom he had been so summarily 
separated. During his enforced absence, his 
attention and thoughts liad been so much 
engrossed with the stirring events of the 
conflict that he had not suffered from ennui, 
or from the pangs of conjugal solitude. 

On his return, however, he sought his 
bride, hoping to And in her that love and 
affection which their relationship should 
lead him to expect. Did he find it? Fran- 
cesca greeted him respectfully but coldly, 
as she might an old acquaintance after a 
long separation. She had for him no kiss, 
no embrace, nor even a passing smile. It 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


119 


was evident that he was to her a subject of 
indifference. She did not even dissemble 
her feelings, as a more experienced woman 
would have done. 

Lanciotto keenly felt the lack of affection, 
the absolute indifference that her conduct 
clearly implied; she did not indicate her 
feelings by any overt act, or give any sug- 
gestion that she regarded him with repug- 
nance or fear. Her want of affection was 
evidenced by a passive indifference alone. 

He did not express to her the disappoint- 
ment he felt ; he was too generous, too gentle, 
to meet her with reproaches ; but he experi- 
enced a keen pang of sorrow which he 
nursed in silence. He now realized the 
improbability of his ever gaining her love. 

To Lucrezia alone did he unburden the 
cares of his aching heart. In her he would 
find the same pessimistic theories that tor- 
tured his own mind. She would not dis- 
courage or seek to combat his despairing 


120 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


ideas, but would sympathize with and foster 
them. To her, he said : 

^^Lucrezia, I would speak with you about 
Francesca. My mind is racked with doubts 
and fears. I returned from Pesaro hoping 
to find in her a kind, if not a loving, greet- 
ing ; I found only a cold, unfeeling reception 
— not a welcome. She received me with for- 
bearance, not with love.” 

’Tis as I feared, Lanciotto. I told you 
once, ^youth goes toward youth.’ So will 
Francesca choose her mate.” 

^^Hear me !” exclaimed Lanciotto. 
have not told you of the nurse’s vision, the 
phantom of Teresa’s mind. Her sightless 
orbs see deeper, clearer than our own. 

‘^What did she see? Come, tell me!” 

^^She saw my bride, Francesca, sitting in 
a garden, reading from a book which anon 
fell from her hands and, whilst she sat in 
musing silence, a man crept in to woo her. 
Awhile they sat, and each in turn read from 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


121 


thd.book ; nearer and nearer still they crept, 
until^ absorbed by passion, their lips met in 
a raptnrous kiss.” 

Lanciotto covered his face with his hands 
as though to shut out the vision. After a 
moment’s silence, Lucrezia said : 

‘What else? Was that all?” 

“No, worse remains. Again, she saw 
them, lifeless, on a bier — clasped in each 
other’s arms. Ah ! woe is me ! The vision 
haunts me. I cannot lose it from my mind. 
It rends my soul with anguish, day and 
night.” 

“Who was this man that wooed your 
bride?” 

“I do not know. She would not tell.” 

“Ah ! she would not tell ! She was afraid 
to voice his name, for fear your wrath would 
fall on him. Methinks, I understand.” 

“What, Lucrezia?” 

“Nothing. I may be wrong; so I will 
watch and prove my words ere I do speak.” 


122 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


^^Wliom will you watch ?’^ demauded Lan- 
ciotto, impatiently. ‘‘1 must know now. 
My tortured mind is racked with doubts, 
and will not brook delay. 

’Tis one Avithin our very gates that I 
suspect. None other does she see.” 

‘‘Within our gates! Who can it be? 
Who Avould dare to lift his eyes to Lanci- 
otto’s bride? Who would my vengeance 
scorn?” 

“Love knows no fear, or thinks of none. 
Youth goes toward youth ” 

“Again that phrase ! What does it 
mean?” 

“Can you not guess?” said Lucrezia. 

For a moment Lanciotto gazed at her 
with searching eye and anxious look; then 
he grasped her by the arm, and exclaimed : 

“Is it my brother? Is it Paolo? 

Speak, woman! . . . You do not answer! 
Your silence breathes the name^ — it is 
Paolo!” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


123 


“You hurt my arm. Release your hold/' 

Lanciotto released her arm, and turned 
from her in gloomy meditation; whilst Lu- 
crezia, fearful of the result of her artful 
allusions, crept away in shame and silence. 
Yet she was pleased to have transplanted 
into Lanciotto's breast some portion of that 
jealousy that rankled in her own. If she 
could not have him as a husband, she could, 
at least, have him as a companion in misery, 
a sharer in disappointment, a partner in 
revenge. 

The seeds of suspicion sown by Lucrezia 
did not at once strike root in Lanciotto’s 
breast. He was of too noble and generous 
a nature to entertain the idea that Paolo 
could betray his confidence. Before he could 
harbor such a thought, he must have some 
tangible ground on which to base it. Lu- 
crezia had given him none. No look, no in- 
cident, no adventure, did she quote in sup- 
port of her insinuation. Therefore, Lanci- 
otto sought to cast it from his mind. 


124 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


A few days later an uprising occurred in 
Kimini ; one of those civic brawls that were 
so common at that time in all Italian cities. 
A revolt by the citizens against the heavy 
taxes and imposts laid upon them to sup- 
port a warring government. The conflicts 
were of short duration and were seldom of 
a serious character. A dozen killed, a score 
wounded — nothing more. 

As an incident of the present uprising, a 
vigorous assault was made upon the palace 
of the Malatesta. Every one within the 
castle was called upon to man the walls and 
repel the invaders, under the directions of 
Lanciotto. Even the courtly Paolo was 
pressed into service, and discharged arrows, 
with listless force and careless aim, into the 
street below. Others dropped heavy stones 
from the battlements, or hurled them afar 
from enormous catapults ; whilst others cast 
lighted fireballs into the attacking throng. 
In the midst of the battle, an arrow from the 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI, 


125 


street struck Paolo on the forehead, stun- 
ning him, and drawing much blood. Lanci- 
otto, who chanced to be near at hand, came 
to his relief. 

In a few minutes, Paolo recovered con- 
sciousness, and Lanciotto then led him from 
the battlements into the interior of the 
castle that he might have his wound prop- 
erly dressed. Lanciotto conducted him, 
half carried him, with brotherly care; for 
Paolo was weak and the blood was trickling 
down his face. He had not a soldier’s spirit 
to bear him up; the sight of his own blood 
unnerved him. 

As the brothers were thus passing through 
one of the inner corridors, they met Fran- 
cesca. She stood aghast at the sight. 
Then, when she recognized that the limp 
form and blood-stained face were those of 
Paolo, she uttered a cry, advanced a few 
feet with outstretched arms, exclaimed 
^Taolo!” and fell to the floor in a swoon. 


126 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

PAOLO’S FLIGHT. 

Paolo was only slightly injured by the 
arrow’s wound; in a few days he was quite 
recovered. But the incident had revealed 
to him a circumstance hitherto unknoAvn, or 
even suspected; namely, Francesca’s love 
for him. Such was the interpretation that 
he placed on her collapse at sight of his 
wounded condition. Had Lanciotto re- 
garded it in the same light? That he did 
not know. Paolo was well aware of his own 
feelings toward Francesca, and now that she 
had given unmistakable evidence of her re- 
gard for him, their position was a danger- 
ous one. They were standing on slippery 
ground, and the merest accident might cause 
their downfall. 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 


127 


A slight consideration of the situation 
convinced Paolo that they must separate — 
that he must go away. It was a duty that 
his honor and self-respect imposed on him. 
He would excuse his departure by the ex- 
pression of a desire to participate in the war. 
It was the only safe and honorable course to 
pursue. He must go at once. At the earli- 
est opportunity, he disclosed his intention 
to Lanciotto. He said : 

‘^I have a desire to take part in the war, 
on the side of the Florentines. Some 
troops are mustered, and about to leave for 
Florence. I shall accompany them.’^ 

^‘This must be a sudden change of mood,^^ 
said Lanciotto. ^‘You never sought the for- 
tunes of war before, but rather shunned 
them as a sport too rude for your gentle 
spirit.’^ 

‘^Yet, ’tis no reason why I should not go. 
My idle sword has rusted long enough with- 
in its sheath.’^ 


128 


FRAN0E8GA DA RIMINI. 


’Tis said a lover makes a good soldier — 
suggested Lanciotto. 

^^That may be; but I go not as a lover,” 
replied Paolo. 

‘^And unrequited love is best of all! It 
makes the soldier face a thousand dangers 
with ne’er a thought of fear. It is a reck- 
less courage, born of despair.” 

^What do you mean, Lanciotto? I do 
not understand.” 

‘^Two reasons urge men to go to war. One 
is, because they love the sport ; the other, to 
cure a hopeless love. Now, which is yours?” 

‘^You seek to draw me out, Lanciotto. 
But, frankly, I have no reason save a empty 
wish, born of a desire to tempt my fortune 
on the field of Mars. It is merely a whim, a 
fancy, devoid of reason. . . . Yet I must 
go.” 

‘^I would not stay you ; but wish you for- 
tune and honors — as much as you deserve.” 

At heart, Lanciotto was pleased to learn 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


129 


of Paolo^s determination to leave Rimini. 
He did not care'to question farther into the 
reasons; that was unnecessary. He was 
satisfied that Paolo was about to leave ; that 
was sufficient to relieve Lanciotto’s mind of 
the taint of jealousy that had already af- 
fected it. 

Paolo hastened the preparations for his 
departure, and, when ready to go, he bade 
them all a sad farewell. He avoided meet- 
ing Prancesca alone, and took his leave of 
her in Lanciotto’s presence. He departed 
from Rimini in company with a nhmber of 
soldiers bound for Florence. They halted 
at a tavern only tAvo leagues distant from 
Rimini, and, entering it, they ordered some 
wine. Paolo sat a table alone; he avoided 
the society of his comrades ; their talk and 
laughter annoyed him; he preferred soli- 
tude and meditation. 

At an adjoining table some soldiers were 
singing a drinking song, of which the merry 


130 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


notes and noisy chorus greatly irritated 
Paolo. The soldiers sang: 

clatter doivn the pehhly street. 

When the taverns all are humming, 

And the lads in front are drumming. 

And the lomdows fill ivith girls. 

All laughing, and all shaking down their 
curls, 

Ha, ha! Ha, ha!’’ 

Paolo could stand it no longer ; leaping 
from his chair, he approached the singers 
and exclaimed : 

^^Hold your errant tongues! You drive 
me to distraction. Your empty heads breed 
naught but noise. I wish no more of it. 
Away ! Begone 

The soldiers could not disregard this com- 
mand of Lord Paolo. The offenders slunk 
away in silence. Paolo resumed his seat, 
and turned his face toward Bimini. In the 
distance, he could see the church towers and 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


131 


the battlements of the castle bathed in the 
ruddy glow of the evening sun. Then, as 
his eyes became accustomed to the distance 
and were strengthened or deceived by his 
imagination, he fancied he could see Fran- 
cesca standing on the battlements, looking 
down the road which he had taken on his 
way from Rimini. She was even now 
watching to obtain one last glimpse of his 
departing figure. The thought fired Paolo^s 
brain. He could sit still no longer. He 
rushed out of the inn to get a clearer and a 
better view. As he stood in the roadway, 
intently gazing toward Rimini, two of his 
comrades approached him. One of them ex- 
claimed : 

^^How now, Paolo! Why so sad? Dost 
grieve to turn your back to Rimini, in 
chance you may never see it more?^^ 

^^Such chance would never grieve me. 
Willingly I left, yet would not willingly re- 
turn,’^ said Paolo. 


m 


FMAIICESCA da RIMINI 


know the feeling,” snid the soldier ; ‘‘I 
have experienced it myself. The wounded 
heart will bleed at sight of her abode. You 
must avoid it.^^ 

^‘Yes, Paolo,” said the other soldier, ^Tor- 
get the deceitful wench of Rimini and 
hasten on to Florence where fresh conquests 
await you. The Florentine girls are the 
fairest in all Italy — if gently wooed, 
they^re lightly won, and well repay the woo- 
ing. Come, Paolo, do not despair at one 
false minx, a thousand more await you!” 

‘‘That is quite true !” said the first soldier. 
“Why, from every town in Italy fair maid- 
ens^ prayers ascend to Heaven beseeching 
my return, and on me they have wasted sighs 
enough to have filled the sails of a ship. 
Let’s go within and have a parting cup ere 
we resume our march. Come, Paolo, we’ll 
drink her health!’’ 

The soldieCs started for the inn. "VMien 
they reached the door, they turned and saw 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


133 


Paolo still standing in the same spot, with 
his face turned toward Rimini. Oae of 
them called: 

^‘Ho ! Paolo ! We await you 

Paolo turned toward theni and said : 

‘^Enough, enough! I cannot go! You 
waste your words to ask me.’^ 

The soldiers entered the inn, Paojo 
turned and walked along the road leading to 
Rimini; slowly at first, but soon his pace 
quickened, and fond desire led him on to he 
once more within the sight and hooting of 
his beloved. After he had placed a safe dis- 
tance between him and his gibing coin- 
panions, Paolo stopped and seated himself 
at the roadside to collect his scattered and 
confused thoughts. 

He had that morning left Rimini to avoid 
danger and escape temptation — a danger 
more perilous than that of war. This even- 
ing he is returning to Rimini more eagerly 
than he left it, drawn toward it by an un- 


134 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


seen power, an irresistible force, against 
which he strove in vain. His judgment and 
his conscience bade him go, but these 
promptings were silenced by the potency of 
that strange unhalloAved voice that lured 
him back to Eimini. There was no escape 
from that dread force; none that he could 
see, save one, and that was death. His 
noble soul echoed the thought, and prompted 
him to seek death before dishonor. It was 
his only salvation — naught else remained. 

Then he remembered the old apothecary 
Fabiola, who, for a few florins, would fur- 
nish him with a simple passport to the other 
world. Yes, he would seek the apothecary 
and obtain from him the waters of Lethe 
that would bring rest and oblivion to his 
troubled soul. 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


136 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE LOVE PHILTRE. 

On a narrow, dark street, called the Via 
Santa Maria, only a few steps from the 
Piazza Julius Caesar, there was an apothe- 
cary’s shop, well known to every citizen of 
Rimini. Its retired situation was suggest- 
ive of mystery, if not of crime; for the nar- 
row street was merely a cul-de-sac, with few 
inhabitants and fewer visitors. The pro- 
jecting gables of the opposite houses al- 
most touched each other over the centre of 
the street, and only for a short time at mid- 
day, when the sun was at its zenith, did a 
ray of sunlight illumine this mysterious 
street; the remaining portion of the day it 
presented a gloomy and cheerless aspect. 


136 


F^Aif^cmcA DA nmmi 


At niglit it was even more forbidding ; there 
was no torch, no light of any kind, to guide 
the steps of a stranger, if any such should 
be bold enough to venture within its pre- 
cincts. The apothecary shop — the only 
shop in the street — was no more attractive 
than its surroundings; rather, it was less 
attr^ctiye and even repulsive, for in its 
small, dirty window were displayed sundry 
uncanny reminders of the apothecaries^ 
trade, such as human skulls, stuffed reptiles, 
shark’s teeth, and phials containing green, 
red or other colored liquids, all suggestive 
of fearsome thoughts, if not of death itself. 

The residents of the Via Santa Maria 
were apparently affected by the dim, myste- 
rious atmosphere in which they lived, for 
they passed in and out of the street with a si- 
lent, gliding motion like spectres; and if, 
perchance, two of them should meet upon the 
way they would, as a rule, pass each other 
without the slightest sign of recognition, or 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


137 


if the occasion called for conversation, they 
would converse in whispers. No songs, no 
music, no laughter, ever sounded within 
these walls; even the few children gathered 
about the doorsteps of the houses amused 
themselves in silence. No childish prattle, 
no boisterous urchins, no gossiping house- 
wives, no drunken revellers, ever disturbed 
the intense stillness of this obscure street. 
It would seem as if the strange medicinal 
odors of the apothecary’s shop had escaped 
therefrom and, mingling with the dull at- 
mosphere of the street, had lulled the people 
into a state of narcotism. 

We are taught by M. Taine, the philo- 
sophic historian of ^‘English Literature,” 
that one of the chief influences in the forma- 
tion of human character has been the nature 
of man’s surroundings, and that this rule 
applies to nations as well as to individuals. 
It is only through the application of this 
principle that we can account for the pre- 


138 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


vailing lethargy of the dwellers of the Via 
Santa Maria. The narcotic odors that 
escaped from the apothecary’s shop had 
paralyzed their energies and soothed their 
nervous force. 

Let us enter this centre of deadening in- 
fluence and ascertain, if possible, the origin 
of its power. We must make a step of al- 
most a foot above the street level, pass 
through a narrow door, and accustom our 
eyes to the semi-darkness of the shop ere we 
can explore its mysteries. A cresset, sus- 
pended from the ceiling by a chain, is kept 
burning day and night, and serves to re- 
lieve but not dispel the native darkness of 
the place. Eanged on shelves on either 
side of the narrow shop are numerous glass 
jars containing reptiles, lizards, and other 
repulsive creatures, preserved in liquor ; 
other jars are fllled with powdered herbs, 
roots and dried flowers; bunches of herbs 
are suspended everywhere; displayed in 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


139 


open vessels are sharks’ teeth, animals’ 
hoofs, snakes’ skins, acorns, figs, snails, and 
other remedies. Suspended near the ceiling 
is a large Egyptian crocodile with gaping 
mouth, whilst the skeleton of a monkey 
grins at the customers from one of the 
shelves. Innumerable small phials are 
here, filled with highly-colored liquids, 
nauseating even to the sight, and labelled 
with cabalistic figures. The rear portion 
of the shop is concealed by an arras, on 
which is woven a design representing the 
Egyptian Sphinx and pyramids. 

The apothecary, when not occupied with 
customers, will be found seated at a small 
table blending various ingredients, which 
he afterwards separates into small powders. 
He is a short man, round shouldered, thin 
and emaciated ; his cranium is bald, save for 
a fringe of straggling gray hair which falls 
to his shoulders; his face and hands re- 
semble parchment and are deeply wrinkled ; 


140 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


his eyes are dark, glittering and restless. 
When he speaks, it is with a nervous, rasp- 
ing voice, and a rubbing together of the 
hands, combined with a look and smile sug- 
gestive of cunning and caution. Let us add 
him to his collection of curios and label him 
as a cross between a hyena and a fox. But 
he is known to every citizen of Bimini as 
Fabiola, the alchemist, the magician, the 
compounder of love-philtres, the vendor of 
charms and cosmetics, a dealer even in poi- 
sons and witchcraft. The people hold him 
in awe and respect, on account of their fear 
and veneration of his mystic powers. 

Late in the evening of the day on which 
occurred the incidents narrated in the fore- 
going chapter, two girls, between eighteen 
and twenty years of age, turned from the 
main street and, after groping their way 
slowly through the darkness of the Via 
Santa Maria, entered Fabiola’s shop. He 
rose and greeted them with a grinning couu- 


FRANGE8GA DA RIMINI. 


141 


tenance and much rubbing of the hands. 
His manner so confused the girls that they 
blushed and stammered and could not 
speak. After he had twice asked them: 

‘^How can I serve you, my dears?” 

One of the girls recovered the use of her 
vocal organs, and replied : 

‘‘I have a lover, whom I fear is faithless 
to me. I came to see if you can help me 
keep his love.” 

‘‘Ah ! my child, you want a love philtre !” 

“Yes; something that will make Luigi 
love me always — ^and love no one else.” 

“ ’Tis easily done,” replied the apothe- 
cary, taking a small phial from a shelf. 
“Two or three drops of this liquid in a glass 
of water, once in ten days, will keep his 
faithful.” 

“But he is so handsome, and the girls do 
seek to win him from me. Are you sure 
that this will hold him?” 

“No stronger potion was ever brewed. 


142 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 


Follow my instructions and you will be 
happy.'' 

The girl was apparently satisfied; she 
paid her money and turned away, whilst her 
companion spoke to the apothecary. 

‘‘Master Fabiola, I am in great distress. 
I love a boy who loves me not in return, and 
yet I suffer myself to love him. I cannot 
help it, though I know he is not worthy of 
my affection. I am so consumed by this 
torment that I cannot eat or sleep." 

“I understand, my child. You want a 
potion that will cure your love^ — dry up 
your heart, so you will love no more." 

“I don't think that is what I want. Master 
Fabiola. Not to dry up my heart, for I 
may want to love another. I can't tell 
that." 

“Well, my child, I will give you a potion 
that will cure 3’our present love within a 
month. 'Twill turn the fondest love to 
bitter hatred, yet leave you free to love an- 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


143 


other. A few drops each day will do the 
work.” 

“I shall try it; and, if it fails to work, I 
shall return within a month.” 

After the girls had left the shop, Fabiola 
closed and barred the street door. It was 
the hour appointed by law for the closing of 
all shops. Then he walked to the rear, and 
was about to pass behind the arras, when a 
knock sounded on the street door. Fabiola 
stopped, stood still, and listened to see if the 
knock would be repeated. In a moment it 
was repeated — louder and stronger than be- 
fore. It was a knock suggestive of impa- 
tience and authority. Fabiola now hast- 
ened to obey it. He unbarred the door, and 
opened it. A man entered, wearing a cloak 
that completely covered his figure, and a 
mask that concealed his face. Fabiola 
again closed and barred the door. He could 
not penetrate the disguise; but the stranger 


144 


FRANGESGA da RIMINI. 


^^Did any one see yoti entef, sir?’^ Fabiola 
enquired, timidly. 

“None.’' 

“It is after hours, and I must be careful 
whom I admit. If it should come to the 
ears of our lord and tyrant that I had dis- 
obeyed the laWj I should receive no mercy. 
He is a harsh and cruel master, whose own 
misdeeds ” 

“Hush, fool! your tongue is longer than 
your wit, and will lead you into danger. 
Come, serve me quickly, for I must make 
haste.’’ 

“What can I do for you?” asked Fabiola. 

“I want some charm, some drug or potion, 
that will draw to me a w^oman’s love and 
hold it unto death.” 

“Ah! let me see!” said Fabiola, as he 
searched his phials. “Ah! hete is some- 
thing that will woo a lady and lure her to 
your arms. It will procure^ at least one 
day and night of amorous bliss.” 


i'BANCEaCA DA RIMINI. 


145 


spoke with an air and tone of authority that 
enforced obedience on the apothecary. 

^‘One day and night! What use of that? 
You trifle with me. Did I not say to hold 
her unto death? Come, old man, give me 
your strongest potion — at any cost. Fear 
not! I have the price.’^ 

Fabiola renewed his search and, produc- 
ing a small phial containing a colorless • 
liquid, he said : 

^^Here is my strongest potion, thrice dis- 
tilled from purest drugs. ’Twill hold your 
love a week.” 

“A week ! And after that?” 

^Wou must repeat the dose. No drug yet 
known will longer hold the blood. This for- 
mula has been handed down to us from Es- 
culapius. No better can be made.” 

^^Give it me ! Here is your gold !” 

As Fabiola and his customer approached 
the door, a knock was heard. They were 
startled and surprised. Then, the stranger 


146 


FRANCESCA BA RIMINI. 


grasped Fabiola bv the arm, and whispered : 

one must enter whilst I am here. I 
must not meet a stranger.’’ 

The knocking at the door was repeaetd 
and a voice called out, ‘Tabiola!” 

^‘Quick, hide behind the arras !” exclaimed 
the apothecary, as he pushed his strange cus- 
tomer bMiind the curtain. ^‘Do not stir or 
speak till he is gone!” 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


147 


CHAPTER XV. 

THE WATERS OF LETHE. 

When Fabiola opened the door, Paolo 
entered. He was nervous and excited, and 
annoyed at Fabiola^s delay. 

^^Old man! Why did you keep me wait- 
ing? Did you fear I was a cut-throat come 
to rob you of your nostrums 

‘‘Nay! I had fallen asleep, and did not 
hear you at first.” 

A groan was heard behind the curtain. 
Paolo turned, and asked : 

“What noise is that?” 

“ ’Twas but a rat. It could be nothing 
else. No one is here. How can I serve you. 


sir?” 


148 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINL 


wish a drug of subtle virtue, that will 
release the soul and waft it unto Heaven. 
Do’st understand?’’ 

‘^Aye, faith ! I do. But is it for thyself 
or for another?” inquired Fabiola. 

‘AVhat matters that to you, provided you 
get your price?” 

^^Ah, sir ! I do not sell to murder ; but it 
is no crime to sell to one who will use the 
drug himself. That is his own affair — 
’twixt him and God. If the world doth bear 
too heavily on his shoulders and crush him 
’neath its weight, I do pity him, and will 
sell him the waters of Lethe. So much were 
charity.” 

‘‘Well, old man, I tell you frankly, I wish 
it for myself.” 

“It cannot be!” said Fabiola. “You are 
young and handsome, and have the world 
at your feet to do your bidding.” 

“What matters it if I have the whol'i 
world, and yet lack this one woman.” 


FEANGESGA DA' BIMINI. 


149 


Now I see!’’ exclaimed the old 
man. ^‘You wish a love philtre to gain her 
love and bend her to your will.” 

^Tool! Be still!” exclaimed Paolo, ^^she 
is another’s wife.” 

^^And what of that?” said Fabiola, with a 
cunning smile and rubbing his hands ; ’tis 
nothing strange — I meet it every day.” 

^^You don’t understand. This woman is 
my brother’s wife — my sister.” 

“And does she love you?” 

“That I do not know — I cannot tell. But 
this I know; if I do stay, her heart will 
catch the flame from mine. I must not stay 
to kindle an unholy passion in her soul.” 

“And yet, what need to die? The world 
is wide — you need meet no more,” argued 
Fabiola. 

“I tried it once. I went away, but could 
not stay. The thought of her fair face did 
draw me back — ^ah ! yes — to my destruction. 
I cannot live without her, yet I cannot have 


150 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINL 


her love; so naught remains but death. 
Come, be quick! old man, the drug!’^ 

‘^For such a drug the price ’’ 

‘^What matter’s price to me?” said Paolo. 
^^Here’s gold enough to buy your shop,” and 
he threAV a purse upon the table. 

The apothecary searched, nervously, 
amongst his phials and, finally, he turned to 
Paolo and said : 

“Here is a potion that will set a troubled 
heart at rest within an hour. It will not 
fail you.” 

Paolo thrust the precious phial within 
his pouch, and started to go. The apothe- 
cary unbarred the door, and, as Paolo passed 
out, he rubbed his hands and smiling, said : 

“Good night, sir. Bon voyage!” 

So soon as the door was closed and barred 
again, Fabiola ran to the arras to warn his 
first customer that the coast was clear. He 
pulled aside the curtain; as he did so, the 
lan staggered forward a few steps, then fell 


FBANCE8GA DA RIMINI. 


151 


to the floor insensible. The apothecary 
turned him on his back, and removed the 
mask. He was startled and amazed. 
Throwing up his hands, he exclaimed: 

‘^Lanciotto Malatesta! Son of the lord 
and tyrant of Rimini! . . . What have I 
done? What will become of me? .... 
Is he dead?’’ He felt his heart. ‘Tt beats 
— he has only fainted.” 

In a state of extreme agitation Fabiola 
hastened to get some water and a cordial to 
revive the Count. He bathed his face and 
head, and poured some of the cordial down 
his throat so soon as the man could swallow 
it ; in a few moments he was sufficiently re- 
vived to whisper, anxiously, to Fabiola : 

^^Where is he? Follow him! Quick!” 

Fabiola hastened to obey the command. 
Lanciotto, as he regained consciousness, 
rose and seated himself in a chair and let 
liis arms and head rest on the table. Then 
he sought to analyze the full meaning of 


ISa FRANGESGA DA RIMINI. 

Paolo^s words, and realize his own position. 

heard him say it,” mused Lanciotto; 
^^his very words were ^she is my brother’s 
wife.’ My God! my wife, my Francesca, 
whom I have learned to love with all the 
fervor of my virgin heart. On her I have 
lavished the pent-up passion of thirty years, 
only to have my heart cast aside and 
trampled upon by a woman who scorns me 
and loves another. And, God I to think that 
my brother should be my betrayer. My 
little Paolo, whom I watched over when a 
smiling infant in his cradle, whom I taught 
to walk and talk, and sought to become the 
bearer of all his childish troubles. To me, 
he has been more than brother — he has been 
a part of my own body, a part of myself. I 
forgot my own deformity, in gazing on his 
fair face and figure; I forgot my own sor- 
rows and disappointments in rejoicing over 
his pleasures. On him, I had bestowed all 
the affection that others devote to women; 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


153 


for I never dreamed, never hoped, that a 
woman’s life would be linked to my mis- 
shapen figure. And now, when a woman 
has been thrust into my life; aye! when I 
have come to love her with all the ardor of 
my turbulent nature, devotedly, jealously 
and fiercely, her love has been stolen from 
me by my brother. He has stolen my happi- 
ness, and, also, lost his own ; for did he not 
say that naught remained but death? His 
guilty soul doth urge him to self-destruc- 
tion. Ah! my Paolo! I do pity you, and 
even now would gladly give my life to bring 
you happiness.” 

At this moment, Fabiola entered the shop 
and, approaching Lanciotto, said: 

‘‘My lord, I could find no track or trace 
of him. He has escaped.” 

“Did the phial that you gave him contain 
poison?” asked Lanciotto. 

“A most deadly poison, my lord.” 


154 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


‘‘If any harm befalls him, your life shall 
pay the penalty.” 

Fabiola fell on his knees to crave pardon. 
Pushing him aside, Lanciotto advanced to 
the door, then turned and said : 

“Hark ye! old man. Breathe not one 
word of what passed here to-night! Your 
life depends upon it.” 

Lanciotto passed into the street. 


FBANUESCA DA BIMINI. 


155 


CHAPTEII XVI. 

PAOLO’S RETURN. 

After leaving the apothecary’s shop, 
Paolo walked hastily through the streets 
until he reached the Piazza Julius Caesar; 
there, he stopped to consider his position. 
Where was he going? What was he about 
to do? True, he had resolved to end his 
troubled existence, and had purchased the 
instrument of destruction. But when and 
where was he to make use of it? These 
points he had not yet considered. 

Now, that he was about to die, he con- 
ceived a strong desire to see Francesca once 
more — for the last time. He thought it 
would be happiness indeed, if he could die 
holding her hand in his, looking into her 


166 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


eyes; but that seemed to be impossible. Yet 
he must see her, if only for one short hour, 
to hear her voice, perhaps to kiss her hand, 
ere they should part forever. His passion 
grew with every passing moment, and soon 
conquered and extinguished his desire for 
self-destruction. He well knew the hope- 
less nature and guilty folly of his love. He 
had tried to tear that passion from his 
heart and cast it from him as an impurity 
and a vice unworthy of his nature. Now, it 
was too late. That love had permeated his 
entire being, it ran through his blood like 
fire, he was held in its irresistible magnet- 
ism, it had conquered him ; he was its slave. 

Flight was no longer possible — he could 
not leave. In fact, he told himself now that 
he did not want to go ; that he desired only 
to see Francesca and die, looking on her 
faca These wild and vacillating thoughts 
were suddenly terminated by the sound of a 
familiar voice, exclaiming : 


'FBANGE8GA DA RIMINI. 


157 


^^What, ho! my lord, — returned so soon! 
Did^st end the war so quickly? Perhaps 
thy dread name did cause the enemy such 
fear they died from fright. I marvel at 
your power.’’ 

It was Pepe the jester, who had chanced 
that way, had recognized the form of Paolo 
in the darkness, and was much surprised to 
see one who had started for Florence not ten 
hours ago. Paolo replied : 

‘^Silence, Pepe! My quick return is not 
fit food for mirth or gibes. It am sad at 
heart, and could not go.” 

^^Oh, ho!” exclaimed Pepe; then he ut- 
tered a long, low whistle, indicative of cun- 
ning and surprise. Paolo discerned some 
covert meaning in Pepe’s action, and was an- 
noyed. 

‘Well, fool!” he exclaimed, “what does 
that mean?” 

“Nothing, my lord, except that two and 
two, when well counted, make only four.” 


158 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


fooPs wisdom 

‘‘Aye, my lord, but it takes a wise man to 
be a clever fool. A fooPs wisdom is never 
false ; it comes by instinct, the gift of 
Heaven; no swallow’s flight so swift and 
true. I look into your face, which seems to 
others but an empty page, stupid and dull ; 
to me, it is the mirror of your soul, and on it 
I read your slightest thought. To-day, I 
read a lady’s face and could swear, my lord, 
to every thought, to every sigh, her mind and 
heart did utter.” 

“Whose face was that?” inquired Paolo, 
with eager voice. 

“The fairest face in Kimini — the castle’s 
bride. Upon the battlements she stood, re- 
gardless of the sun’s fierce rays, her eager 
eyes tracing the road to Florence, watching 
the little cloud of dust that rose above the 
soldiers’ heads; and when she saw the dust 
no more, her woful sighs betrayed a broken 
heart.” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


159 


“Enough exclaimed Paolo, “your 
licensed tongue presumes too much. Come, 
tell me other news !’’ 

“A courier arrived to-day from Pesaro. 
Another civic brawl divides the city, and 
Lanciotto has been urged to go and quell the 
strife. He leaves to-morrow dawn with two 
hundred men.’’ 

“Are you quite sure?” asked Paolo. 

“I had it from his own lips. Besides, the 
men-at-arms are ready to depart.” 

This information gave Paolo food for re- 
flection. Lanciotto’s absence would favor 
his designs. He sought a last intervieiw 
with Francesca, and desired that it should 
be in privacy. His anxious mind had not yet 
considered what trend that interview might 
take, nor what the result of it might be ; his 
inclination was based on one thought — the 
desire to see her again. What attitude he 
should assume toward her, what he should 
say to her, at that farewell meeting he had 


160 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 


not determined ; that was left to chance and 
circumstance. 

Until to-morrow, he must find an abiding 
place. At that late hour of the night, he 
could not enter the castle and gain his 
chamber without observation and recogni- 
tion, and that he wished to avoid. Perhaps 
the cunning fool might help him! There- 
fore he broke the silence, by saying: 

^‘Pepe, I would return to the castle to- 
night, but I wish to enter and gain my 
chamber unobserved. I do not wish it 
known that I have returned so soon. Such 
is my purpose — can you help me?’^ 

^‘Ha, ha! my lord,” exclaimed Pepe, with 
a mocking laugh, ^^a fooPs wisdom is some- 
times more serviceable than a courtier’s wit 
or a soldier’s sword. Methinks I know a 
way to gain your end. Four fiorins, my 
lord, will serve the trick — two for myself, 
two for the guard — and you will enter un- 
observed.” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 161 

“So be it, fool! Here is the money; see 
that you serve me well 

“My wit has never failed me yet, and 
money whets its edge. We had better go, my 
lord ; the hour is late.’’ 

That night, after Pepe had retired to his 
chamber, his cunning brain revolved the cir- 
cumstances of the day, to see what might be 
turned to profit. He already suspected that 
a certain degree of affection existed between 
Paolo and Francesca and, to-day, that sus- 
picion had been grea/tly strengthened by 
Francesca’s attitude of sorrow and despair 
upon the battlements, and by Paolo’s sud- 
den and unaccountable return. 

It was against Lanciotto that Pepe de- 
sired to turn these circumstances to ac- 
count. It would greatly please him if he 
could find, in the conduct of Paolo and 
Francesca an instrument for his revenge on 
Lanciotto. 

In his calling as court jester, Pepe had 


162 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


bandied many a keen jest with Lanciotto; 
he had even gone to the utmost limit of his 
extraordinary license in order to wound 
Lanciotto’s feelings with gibes on his sad 
form and features. In return, Lanciotto 
had proved himself more than a match for 
the jester in a war of words; moreover, he 
had at times laid violent hands on the court 
fool and punished him for his insults — this 
it was that rankled in Pepe’s breast, and 
bred therein a spirit of enmity and revenge. 
Therefore, Pepe resolved to keep a close 
watch over the conduct of Paolo and Fran- 
cesca, in the hope of finding therein a source 
of humiliation and dishonor to the proud 
spirit of the hunchback. That would serve 
Pepe’s idea of revenge. 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


163 


CHAPTER XVII. 

IN CUPID^S TOILS. 

The following morning opened clear and 
cloudless; as Francesca looked from her 
window she beheld the beautiful Adriatic 
Sea smiling, with a tliousand bright 
dimples, under the gentle caresses of the 
morning sun. The birds, who made their 
homes in the nooks and crevices of the castle 
walls, were twittering and billing with de- 
light. All nature was in a joyous mood; 
Francesca alone was sad and gloomy. As 
she gazed on the gayety of the natural world, 
she sighed at the thought of the contrast it 
presented to her own little world of sorrow 
and disappointment. 

Earlier than usual, she took her morning 
walk in the garden, accompanied by Nerissa, 


164 


FRANGE8GA DA RIMINI. 


who carried for her a book and needlework. 
Soon, they retired to an arbor, around 
which, upon a lattice work, the roses hung 
in sweet profusion. It was, indeed, Cupid’s 
ideal bower wherein fond lovers might sit 
and dream and allow their souls to mingle 
and their lips to meet in the intoxication 
of the perfumed air. 

At first, Francesca occupied herself, list- 
lessly, with her needlework but, in a short 
time, she dropped it on her lap, and gazed 
dreamily before her. Nerissa, observing the 
action of her mistress, remarked: 

‘^My lady seems unwonted sad to-day.” 

^‘In truth, I am, Nerissa,” replied Fran- 
cesca, passed a restless night. Sleep 
scarce approached my eyes.” 

know that I should be the same, my 
lady, should my husband, like your good 
lord, go to the wars, perhaps never to re- 
turn.” 

Francesca’s thoughts were far away — as 


FRANCE8CA DA RIMINI. 


165 


far away as she imagined Paolo was at 
that moment. Nerissa’s words fell on her 
ear as in a dream, softly and faintly; and, 
absently, she replied : 

^^He never will return — I feel that he has 
gone forever.’^ 

Nerissa was startled at this reply; she 
gazed earnestly at her mistress, and ashed : 

^‘What mean you, my lady? Will Lord 
Lanciotto not return?’’ 

‘‘Did I say that, Nerissa? I know not 
what I said. You must not heed my words. 
I am not well to-day.” 

“What can I do to cheer your heart, my 
lady?” 

“Nothing, good Nerissa. Leave me — I 
would be alone! I’ll read my book; ’twill 
serve to divert my mind.” 

“What is the tale, my lady? I fain would 
know.” 

^‘An ancient tale of two young hearts that 
suffered much, It is so sweet and beauti- 


166 


FR \NGESGA DA RIMINI. 


fill I love to read it ; and yet so sad, it makes 
me weep.’^ 

‘^Ah! my lady,’^ said Nerissa, “to love is 
to be sad, and sigh, and yearn for him we 
love; but there’s joy and sweetness in such 
sorrow. I had a lover once, some years ago, 
who went to Florence to the wars, who 
swore that he would soon return and claim 
me for his wife. I wept and sighed for 
many months; he never came. They say 
the ladies of Florence are so beautiful they 
capture the heart of every soldier who goes 
there. My next lover shall never go to 
Florence.’’ 

“No more, Nerissa!” said Francesca, 
sadly ; “no more — you rend my heart ! Now, 
leave me! and I will read the tale.” 

After Nerissa’s departure, Francesca took 
up the book and commenced to read ; but the 
stor}^ failed to interest her, her mind was 
preoccupied, her thoughts wandered from 
the words of the book. Very soon she let 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


167 


the book fall upon her lap, and, with droop- 
ing head and closed eyes, she was soon ab- 
sorbed in a profound reverie. Her thoughts 
were following Paolo on his way to Florence. 
She had been sitting thus for a period of fif- 
teen minutes, when her reverie was dis- 
turbed by the sound of a footfall, and a voice 
softly calling ^‘Francesca — Francesca 

She looked up, and joyfully exclaimed : 

‘‘Ah! Paolo 

He took her hand and, bending over, 
kissed it twice. She blushed, and said : 

“You startled me ; I thought you far away 
on the road to Florence.” 

“Yesterday, I was — as far away as 
thought of you would leave me go. My re- 
luctant feet would serve to carry me no 
farther; so I returned to Kimini, hoping to 
see 3^our face and hear your voice once more, 
ere I should go — forever.” 

“Ah! Paolo!” said Francesca, in soft, 
pleading tones, and gazing on him with wist- 


168 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 


ful eyes : ^^you will not go again. I, too, was 
sad, and hoped you would soon return.” 

^^My duty calls me, and I must go. Why 
should I stay?” 

^^To cheer my life, and make me happy. 
You brought me here, to this lone and 
gloomy place, where I have not a friend, 
save you. When you are gone, then am I 
sad indeed !” 

She sighed and turned her face away that 
he might not see the tears that came un- 
bidden to her eyes. The book had fallen, 
unheeded, to the ground. Paolo picked it 
up, and said: 

^What tale is this you have been read- 
ing?” 

^^The sad story of Launcelot and Guin- 
evere. It interests me; her fate was like 
my own.” 

“How so?” asked Paolo. 

“She married one, but loved another. 
’Twas not her fault — no more Twas mine. 
It was unerring fate.” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


169 


Paolo divined her meaning, but he did not 
wish to continue the conversation on a 
line that might lead to a sentimental out- 
come. He still sought to avoid an open 
avowal of love on either side. He desired 
only to sit beside her, to feel that she was 
near him. He blindly ventured to stand, 
as it were, on the edge of a precipice, trust- 
ing that some kind fortune would guide his 
thoughtless brain and prevent his falling 
into the awful chasm at his feet. He now 
sought to turn the conversation by again re- 
ferring to the book. He asked Francesca : 

‘^Shall I resume the story where you had 
stopped 

^‘Yes, if you will,” replied Francesca, 
^^but read it soft and sweet — ’tis better so.” 

Paolo commenced to read: 

^It chanced, that day, that Launcelot, on 
his visit to the king’s palace, found Queen 
Guinevere alone. When he beheld her 
whom he so loved, whom he had met 
too late, yet loved the more, his throb- 


170 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI, 


bing heart did still his tongue; he could 
not speak, he could not breathe. He vainly 
strove to calm his eager heart, to conquer 
his desire — for the king, her husband, was 
his dearest friend, as dear to him as 
brother.’ ” 

Paolo paused. The story was suggestive 
of his own position — it was so like. Fran- 
cesca whispered, soft and low, ^‘Read on — 
read on !” Paolo continued : 

When Guinevere turned and saw before 
her the man whom she had loved from the 
first moment of their meeting, who possessed 
her every thought, by day or night, her 
blushing cheek disclosed her joy; and yet 
she knew full well how wrong that love, how 
hopeless — yet how strong and deep. It was 
a joy which, though a sin, she could not, 
would not cast away; it was her life, her 
whole existence.’ ” 

Francesca placed her hand within that of 
Paolo. He paused, and looked at her ; their 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


171 


eyes met, and spoke their thoughts. She 
drew closer to his side, and whispered, 
“Read farther on — it is so sweet Paolo 
read : 

“ ^They were alone, jet could not speak. 
Their tongues were dumb from fearsome joy. 
This moment he had sought, and now would 
fain have fled, yet could not stir. The color 
left her cheeks ; so pale she grew, no marble 
could be whiter. At last she smiled; a 
faint, sweet smile, at sight of which he 
nearer drew, then trembling stood. He 
took her hand to bear it to her lips, but at 
the touch, her hand, so warm and trembling, 
fired his soul, and then he kissed her lips.’ ” 

As Paolo ceased reading, he felt Fran- 
cesca’s hand trembling within his own; her 
warm breath, so short and quick, touched 
his cheek; he turned his head, their eyes 
met, her head dropped gently on his 
shoulder, as she softly murmured “Paolo !” : 
their lips met — their happiness was com- 
plete. 


172 


FMANCE8CA DA RIMINI. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 
pepe’s revenge. 

In the preceding chapter, we drew the cur- 
tain on Francesca’s first kiss of love. There 
let it stay ; we will not penetrate behind the 
scenes and disclose to vulgar eyes the mys- 
teries not designed for mortal sight. The 
worshippers at Cupid’s shrine have an in- 
violable, a sacred right to secrecy ; that right 
we will respect, and resume our story a half- 
hour later as we see Paolo and Francesca 
leave the arbor and slowly walk toward the 
castle. They proceed in silence, hand in 
hand, mute yet eloquent; for a pressure of 
the hand, a stolen glance, a timorous smile, 
are eloquence in love. True love was ever 
silent. 

Scarce had they passed out of sight, ere a 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


173 


nimble figure leaped gaily into view from be- 
hind the arbor. First, he threw his cap into 
the air, then executed what he might call a 
dance, and finally broke into violent 
laughter. It was Pepe, the jester, who, con- 
cealed behind the arbor, had been a witness 
of Francesca^s love scene. 

‘‘Ha, ha, ha!’^ he laughed, “it was the best 
love scene I ever saw. ‘Read soft and low 
— it is so sweet!’ In faith, it was! And 
yet, how dull and cold the written words did 
seem beside the illustrations that they gave. 
The lingering kiss did have so many sounds, 
all soft and musical ; in it I heard the distant 
murmur of the sea, the faint rustling of an 
angel’s wings, the gentle whispering of a 
summer’s breeze; I almost wished that I 
were fool enough to play the lover myself. 
But, no! I pray Heaven to save me from 
such a fate. I’ll warrant Lanciotto had 
heard no music in that kiss, except it were 
the wail of anguish or the shrieking of 


174 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


despair. That he shall hear! That kiss 
shall rend his heart and torture his soul ten- 
fold for everj^ pang he brought to me. It 
will sear his memory like a red-hot iron, and 
shut out all hope, all joy. Ha, ha ! Pepe’s 
day has come wherein to rack the hunch- 
back’s proud spirit, and give him pang for 
pang; aye! ten for one — I’ll not stint him. 
I’ll start for Pesaro at once to find him and 
give him the joyful news — dt is so sweet!’ 
Ha, ha, ha !” 

Pepe entered the arbor. On the seat lay 
Paolo’s dagger, which he had laid aside and 
forgotten. Pepe picked it up, and thrust 
it in his belt. ‘Tt may be of use,” he said. 

Straightway, the jester started on his er- 
rand to Pesaro. A long journey was before 
him, but the thought of revenge lent swift- 
ness to his foot and strength to his spirit. 
League after league he covered with tireless 
energy; and, if he halted noAv and then, it 
was only to rehearse the story he was to tell 


FRANCESCA DA BIMINI. 


1^5 


Lanciotto, that it might lose nothing in the 
telling ; then, he would chuckle with fiendish 
glee as he pictured to himself Lanciotto’s 
rage and humiliation. He did not stop to 
consider the results that were likely to fiow 
from his treacherous act, other than the 
effect it would have on the hunchback^s 
proud spirit; he did not foresee any other 
result, nor did he seek to find one. 

It was quite dark when Pepe reached 
Pesaro. He inquired for Lanciotto, and 
learned he was camped outside the city with 
his soldiers. Pepe found him outside his 
tent, reclining on the ground, weary from 
his hard day\s journey. As the jester ap- 
proached, with breathless haste, Lanciotto 
exclaimed : 

^^Ho, there ! What evil tidings have come 
to pass that need thee for messenger. It 
must be hellish news indeed that an imp 
was sent to carry.’’ 

‘^It is, my lord. No fool’s errand, though 


176 


FRANGESGA DA BIMINI. 


the jester is the messenger;” and Pepe 
stopped for breath. 

‘^Speak, and be quick!” commanded Lan 
ciotto. ‘‘I long to hear your message; i 
must indeed be strange. So loose youi 
tongue, or I will aid you.” 

will speak, my lord, as fast as my short 
breath will serve. This morning, I saw 
Paolo •” 

‘What!” exclaimed Lanciotto, “you saw 
Paolo! When and where?” 

“In the garden;” and Pepe stopped for 
breath. 

“Was he alive — or was he dead?” asked 
Lanciotto, eagerly. “Speak quicker, knave; 
your sluggish speech is torture.” 

“He was alive — as live as you — and serv- 
ing in your place. You could not have 
chosen a better deputy.” 

“Explain your meaning, fool ! I have no 
time to solve your senseless riddles, nor am 
I in a mood to trifle.” 


FRANCESCA DA RlMlNT. 


177 


‘^This morning/^ commenced Pepe, was 
walking in the garden and, as I passed near 
the rose-arbor, I heard voices therein. I 
crept close up to it, and then discovered that 
it was a man reading a story from a book to 
a woman seated at his side. It was a love 
tale, so tender and sweet it touched their 
hearts, and when the words of the story ran 
^and then he kissed her lips,’ so did these 
lovers kiss to illustrate the text.” 

Lanciotto leaped to his feet and, grasping 
Pepe by the throat, exclaimed fiercely : 

‘‘Who was the man — his name — quick, or 
I’ll strangle you!” 

“Paolo!” 

The news shocked Lanciotto for a moment. 
He stood motionless. He did not ask the 
Avoman’s name. No need of that; the 
nurse’s tale he knew too well. But his 
thoughts reverted to the apothecary’s shop, 
wherein he had overheard Paolo’s confession 
of his love for a brother’s wife; yet, at the 


178 ^traNCESCA da DIMiNl 

same time, Paolo was seeking to fly from 
temptation and resolved, if necessary, to 
escape it through death itself. Had he not 
purchased the poisonous drug for that pur- 
pose? Was it possible that Paolo was still 
living, still courting, and even yielding to 
temptation? Perhaps Pepe was mistaken! 

These reflections served to calm Lanci- 
otto, and when he again spoke it was in a 
calm, calculating manner. 

^^Are you sure, Pepe, that you saw Paolo 
this day?^’ 

^‘Quite sure; I could not be mistaken. 
You should have heard him; his mellow 
voice was tuned to notes of love; it never 
seemed so sweet before. And when he kissed 
her, an eternity of bliss and rapture were 
centred on that one poor kiss.’’ 

^^Hush, fool! I’ve heard enough. What 
proof have you that this is true?” 

^^Look at this knife! I found it in the 


JFHANCJSISOA i)A BIMIM 


179 


arbor after they had left,’’ said Pepe ; and he 
handed the knife to Lanciotto. 

‘‘It is Paolo’s knife — I gave it to him. 
Now, knave, begone! Your work is fin- 
ished.” 

Lanciotto’s command was so stern and im- 
perative that it admitted of no reply or 
cavil on the part of the jester. He slunk 
away feeling every inch a spy and traitor. 
Now, that his nefarious work was done, it 
was not, even to him, a source of pride and 
joy, but rather one of shame and guilt. 


180 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI 


CHAPTER XIX. 

LANCIOTTO’S STRATAGEM. 

Lucrezia was alone in the apartments 
occupied by Lanciotto and Francesca. She 
was a careful housekeeper, and personally 
supervised every department of the castle; 
it was the performance of that duty that 
brought her to Lanciotto’s apartments this 
morning. Francesca and her maid had 
gone to the garden for their morning walk. 
Lucrezia had completed her duties and was 
about to leave the apartments when she met 
Lanciotto at the door. His sudden appear- 
ance startled her ; she had thought him to be 
many leagues away. Moreover, his looks in- 
creased her feelings of alarm. He presented 
a disordered appearance, was covered with 
the dust and stain of travel ; his eyes, from 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI, 


181 


excitement and loss of sleep, were wild and 
feverish ; his actions were quick and nervous. 
To Lucrezia’s practised eyes there was 
ample evidence of some untoward event of 
more than ordinary importance, for Lanci- 
otto’s wonted manner was one of calm de- 
liberation, akin to a soldier’s courage and 
stoicism. 

At Lanciotto’s sudden appearance, Lu- 
crezia retreated a few steps, and allowed 
him to advance; he cast a hurried look 
around the apartment, then asked : 

^‘Are you alone?” 

^‘Yes,” gasped Lucrezia. 

^^Where is Francesca?” asked Lanciotto. 

^Tn the garden.” 

This reply sent a pang to Lanciotto’s 
heart. ‘Terhaps she is in the arbor?” he 
thought. 

‘Who is with her?” he asked. 

“I know not, unless it be Nerissa. They 
went out together.” 

“You should know, Lucrezia. I had 
looked to you to watch over Francesca and 
guard her from all danger. You have not 
done so.” 


182 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


The sorrowful tone of voice in which he 
delivered this reproach, alarmed Lucrezia. 
She eagerly inquired: 

“What troubles you, Lanciotto? What 
has happened?’’ 

“You remember the nurse’s vision — the 
strange phantom of blind Teresa’s brain. 
I told you of it, though I believed it not ; and 
now — now ” 

“What, Lanciotto?” 

“It has come true,” he said, in slow, sad 
tones, whilst he bowed his head in sorrow 
and anguish. His grief touched Lucrezia’s 
heart; she sought to console him. 

“How do you know this?” she said. “It 
may be you are mistaken, for I have seen no 
sign, no token of what you say. I believe 
Francesca to be an honest wife.” 

“I’ll tell you what I know — then you may 
judge. Last night, Pepe sought me at the 
camp and told me what he himself had wit- 
nessed, and it so agreed with Teresa’s tale 
that I must, unwillingly, believe it. I have 
tried to tear it from my mind, to treat it as 
a jester’s joke, to stamp it as a lie, but, no ! 
— I cannot do it. I fear it is the truth.” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


1S3 


‘‘What did Pepe tell you?^’ asked Lu- 
crezia. 

“He said that he was strolling in the gar- 
den and when near the rose arbor, hearing 
voices therein, he crept close to it and list- 
ened. A man was reading from a book to a 
woman who sat at his side ; and, when he had 
ceased reading, their lips met in kisses.” 

Lanciotto paused and covered his face 
with his hands as if to shut the detested 
scene from his sight. Lucrezia asked, 
anxiously : 

“Who was the man?” 

“My own brother — Paolo.” 

They remained silent for several minutes. 
Neither of them had mentioned the woman’s 
name; it was unnecessary to do so; Lu- 
crezia understood. Finally, it was she who 
broke the silence by saying : 

“I see it all ; ’tis as I said, ‘youth goes to- 
ward youth,’ ’tis nature’s own decree. They 
met in Ravenna first; there dawned that 
love which the passing weeks have ripened; 
your absence, too, has aided its fruition. 
You should have wedded one of your own 
age, one who knew your worth and would 


184 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


look beyond the outward form to seek the 
good within. The fault is yours, Lanciotto ; 
1 Avarned you ere you did it.’’ 

^^Do not chide me, Lucrezia ; I know ’twas 
folly on my part to dream that she would 
love me. It was Paolo who kindled in my 
breast the spark of hope, Avhich he has now 
extinguished. Now, nought remains but 
shame and death.” 

^‘Death !” echoed Lucrezia, ^^death to 
whom? What do you mean?” 

‘^Why, death to me. I have no farther 
joy in life. Till noAv I had hopes to win her 
love — those hopes are fled — she loves an- 
other. Why should I live?” 

‘^Live for revenge!” prompted Lucrezia, 
with savage force; ‘dive to see them both 
lying dead at your feet! You spoke just 
noAv of Teresa’s vision — it was prophetic. 
Have you forgotten how it did end? Re- 
member! She said T see them lying, life- 
less, on a bier, clasped in each other’s arms.’ 
If the flrst part of the vision were true, why 
not the last? Come, Lanciotto! You are 
a man — have you not a man’s spirit? You 
are a soldier — would you be a coward?” 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


185 


‘^Enough, Lucrezia! What would you 
have me do?” 

^‘Surely, cousin, you would not stand idly 
by and have them laugh at you ; or die, and 
leave them free to woo and mock your mem- 
ory. Were I a man and in your place, I 
know full well what I should do.” 

^‘What would you do? I am a man, a 
soldier, and dare do aught that does become 
a man. My cheek has never blanched from 
fear ; nor has it ever glowed from shame till 
now ! I know not how to act.” 

‘‘You have no choice,” urged Lucrezia. 
“You must revenge yourself, and also save 
the honor of your house. The code of 
chivalry has ever taught us that death is 
preferable to dishonor ; that is, death to the 
guilty to save the honor of the living.” 

“I see your meaning, and feel its truth, 
but I have seen nothing, know nothing, save 
what the jester told me. That may be false. 
To justify my act, I must be certain of my 
ground ; suspicion is not enough — I must see 
these things myself.” 

“And so you shall — if they exist. I have 


186 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


a plan, Landotto, which you must carry out. 
We will announce that your return to-day is 
only temporary; that you must leave again 
within the hour to be gone a week or more. 
You must return this evening; perchance, 
you then may find them in each other’s 
arms.” 

“Aye! Lucrezia; and if I do, my hand 
and heart will never fail me. Why, look! 
I have Paolo’s own knife, the one I gave him, 
and it shall do the work.” 

“Brave Landotto ! Your courage has re- 
turned. You are again a soldier. But, 
hush ! here comes Francesca. Courage, 
Lanciotto, courage !” 

Francesca entered the apartment and dis- 
played her surprise at sight of Lanciotto. 

“Ah! my lord,” she said, “returned so 
soon ! We did not expect you to-day.” 

“I returned to make some necessary ar- 
rangements, but I must leave again within 
the hour to be gone for many days, perhaps 
four or five. My soldiers wait me.” 

“I wish, my lord, you would not go. It 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


187 


is not well. I fear your safety and my 
own.” 

^‘Fear not for me! On the battle field I 
bear a charmed life. As for yourself, I 
leave you to Paolo' s care ; no brother could 
be fonder.” 

As Lanciotto uttered these words with 
studied significance, he watched Francesca’s 
face; he saw her blush, then drop her eyes as 
though afraid to meet his earnest gaze. 

‘‘1 must away — my charger waits. Fare- 
well !” 

He advanced to Francesca as he spoke, 
pressed his lips to her forehead, and de- 
parted. 


188 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 


CHAPTER XX. 

THE TRAGEDY. 

That same evening, Francesca was sit- 
ting in her apartment, occupied with her em- 
broidery. An open door leading to the gar- 
den, and only partly covered with a tapestry 
curtain, sufficed to admit a gentle breeze 
which carried to her nostrils a delicate per- 
fume from the evening flowers. Her 
thoughts were of Paolo; she had not seen 
him that day. Perhaps he had heard of 
Lanciotto’s return, and did not wish to meet 
him. Yet she was glad Paolo had remained 
away. She longed for him, yet feared to 
meet him; fearful of the danger they in- 
curred in this unhallowed passion. There- 
fore, she strove to conquer it, and even 
faintly hoped he would not come again — at 
least, during Lanciotto’s absence. 


PUANCESGA DA RIMINI. 


189 


Her reverie was interrupted by the en- 
trance of her maid, who said : 

^ ‘Count Paolo is without, and wishes to 
speak with you.’^ 

“Tell him I cannot see him to-night/’ 

“In truth, I told him so,” replied Nerissa, 
“but he will not be denied. He says he is 
going away to-morrow at dawn.” 

“Away! Where is he going?” 

“He did not say, but pleaded hard that 1 
should tell you he had come to say farewell. 
He looks so sad — I pity him.” 

Francesca hesitated for a moment, then 
said: 

“You may admit him.” 

When Paolo entered, he hastened toward 
Francesca with eager joy, but she extended 
her hand for him to kiss. When he had thus 
saluted her, he said : 

“I felt that I must see you to-night, ere 
I decide my future course ; whether I should 
leave Bimini, or linger at your side, a prey 
to hopeless love, is now the torment of my 
aching brain; and either course is torture 
to my soul.” 


190 


MANCESCA da RIMtNL 


fain would hav^ 3^ou stay, Paolo. . You 
are my only friend. Yet I feel that some un- 
seen danger hovers o’er us, and that ’twere 
best we part. I am a prey to nervous fears 
— to-night, more so than ever.” 

^‘Ah ! Francesca, no harm can come to you 
whilst I am at your side. Let us go without 
and wander through the garden. The balmy 
air and soft moonlight invites us.” 

Arm in arm, they passed between the cur- 
tains that draped the door leading to the 
garden. A feAV moments later, Lanciotto 
entered from the inner door. He came in 
with a cautious, stealthy step; a savage 
scowl rendered his dark face more forbid- 
ding than usual; he cast his eyes eagerly 
about the room in search of Francesca. 
Evidently her absence angered him, for he 
raised his clenched fists in the air and ut- 
tered a suppressed oath. Then, he walked 
to the door leading to the garden, peered be- 
tween the curtains, and a moment later 
passed stealthily out. Where were Paolo 
and Francesca at this time? 

The silence of the room was next broken 


J^RANCES(JA DA BIMINL 


1^1 


by the entrance of Lucrezia. She, too, 
sought Francesca, and was surprised to 
note her absence. She was about to leave 
the room again when Nerissa entered. 

“Where is your mistress?” asked Lucrezia. 

“I do not know. I left her here a short 
time since.” 

“What was she doing? Was she alone?” 
asked Lucrezia, eagerly. 

“Paolo was here. He wished so earnestly 
to see her that she told me to admit him. 
Then I went out, and have not seen her 
since.” 

“We must find her at once,” said Lucrezia. 
“Let us search the garden.” 

Lucrezia and Nerissa approached the 
door; but ere they reached it, the curtains 
parted and Lanciotto entered. His face 
was terrible in its fiendish expression; his 
eyes glared like those of a wild beast; he 
trembled from excitement and rage. He 
stopped just inside the door, and stood with 
uplifted hand, wherein he held Paolo’s knife, 
jjoint downward, and from it there trickled 


MAR 12 1902 


192 fuancesga da riminl 

a thin stream of blood upon the floor be- 
neath. 

The women shrank from him in terror, 
and clung to each other, trembling from 
fear. It was Lanciotto who broke the 
silence. He spoke in slow and solemn 
tones : 

^‘Fear me not — my task is done. I saw 
them lying dead at my feet, clasped in each 
other’s armis. Such was their destiny — • 
decreed by Heaven; I was but the instru- 
ment chosen to fulfil it. I am no longer a 
husband ; I am but a soldier, and must away 
where duty calls. Farewell!” 


THE END . 



A DRAMATIC LOVE STORY. 


PRICE, 25 CENTS. 


FRANCESCA DA RIMINI. 

Bv GEORGE MOREHEAD. 


Eleonora Duse as Francesca da Rimini, 


NEW YORK: 

J. S. OGILVIE PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
57 Rose Street. 





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